500.A15/882: Telegram
The Chairman of the American Delegation (Gibson) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 19—1:14 a.m.]
7. Department’s No. 5, April 17, 4 p.m. Appropriate time for making my general statement, so it seems to me, will be upon the opening of debate on major problems carried over from first reading. Until then the time of the Commission will be taken up by discussion of the Soviet proposals, which do not afford dignified setting for what we have to say. It is to be hoped that Soviet proposals will be disposed of tomorrow; but unless chairman shows more firmness, Russian delegation may protract the debates for several days yet to come.
If it becomes apparent that the Soviet proposals will be disposed of at session tomorrow, I shall ask Loudon to give me floor at opening of meeting at ten o’clock Monday morning. I deem it desirable to get in what we have to say as soon as possible in order to prevent our being anticipated by any other general statement along similar lines. This action on our part would necessitate presentation of Department’s memorandum to British Ambassador on Saturday or Sunday; you may be disposed to do so, however, rather than to incur the risks involved through further delay here.
If you wish me to put off my statement until Tuesday morning, I can; but I am reluctant to give chairman longer notice than is necessary as he will pass the information along and the story will get about that an important statement is forthcoming with undesirable conjecture as consequence.