Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Africa and South Asia, Volume XI, Part 1

845A.411/10–152: Telegram

The Ambassador in the Union of South Africa (Gallman) to the Department of State¹

confidential

Pretoria, October 1, 1952—2 a.m.

84. Having in mind particularly prevailing temper in South African Govt circles, I very much like tenor of Dept’s preliminary thinking on South African racial problem before Gen Assembly (Dept’s 52 Sept 29).² I am especially happy about thought being given to possible request for advisory opinion from ICJ on GA jurisdiction.

I am convinced that any action condemnatory of South Africa at this juncture will lead South Africa Govt very seriously to consider withdrawal from UN.³

Gallman

1. This telegram was repeated to New Delhi.
2. Same as telegram 943, supra.
3. The Embassy in New Delhi also found the Department’s preliminary thinking on the South African racial question, contained in telegram 943 of Sept. 29, to be “most helpful and encouraging.” The Embassy maintained that a U.S. vote for inclusion of the item on the agenda would “go long way toward convincing Arabs and Asians US continues maintain principle full discussion disputed issues” and would place the United States in an advantageous position to “dispel belief skillfully and ruthlessly fostered by Commies that US only interested in furthering cause of White race in [garble] growing struggle against colored peoples.” The Embassy also hoped that it would not become necessary to refer the matter to the International Court of Justice, as an unfavorable response from that body would only increase Arab-Asian bitterness and frustration. (Telegram 1468 from New Delhi, Oct. 7, 1952; 845A.411/10–752)