500.C1112/86: Telegram (part air)
The Consul at Geneva (Gilbert) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 18—3:06 p.m.]
520. Department’s telegram 160, December 15, 5 p.m. (received December 17, 9 a.m.).
1. Stoppani expresses gratification at prospect of possible American participation on committee on raw materials.
He pointed out that the Assembly’s mandate is in essence the setting up by the Council of a committee of experts to examine into the world aspect of the question of commercial access to raw materials. This mandate in no way envisages a political discussion and he sees no indication of any departure from the terms of reference. It is evident, nevertheless, that long standing problems with definite political connotations are in the background and no undertaking can of course be given as to what statements the experts who are acting in their individual capacities may make in the course of the discussions.
He is agreeable to an American national serving through either of the methods mentioned by the Department. He desires, however, that if possible the name of a suitable person who is prepared to accept the appointment be communicated to him in time for presentation to the Council. Not being able to present a name to the Council would not necessarily exclude American participation as a way might be found out of this difficulty through the Council establishing the fact of American participation, the selection of an individual to be left to the Secretary General or to the Council rapporteur. At the same time, a definite decision on the question of participation would preclude the Council from perhaps merely appointing the American member of the Economic Committee or taking some other possibly inconvenient action.
In all this it should be clearly borne in mind that action in this may not be taken by the January Council. The Secretariat is of the opinion that Great Britain is still preoccupied somewhat in the manner described in my No. 480, November 24, 5 p.m., paragraph 3 respecting the attitude of Germany, and as the British sponsorship of the plan places them in a special position, their request for a postponement of the matter to the [January?] Council might easily be acceded to.
2. Stoppani informs me that the Japanese have indicated their desire that the Japanese member of the Economic Committee (who will be a new appointee) serve on the committee.
[Page 484]The Brazilian Consul General tells me that he has asked Rio de Janeiro for the name of a Brazilian participant. He has not yet received a reply but is under the impression that his Government will take favorable action.