Lot 60–D 224, Box 55: D.O./P.R./17
Memorandum by the Under Secretary of State (Stettinius) to the Secretary of State
Subject: Progress Report on Dumbarton Oaks Conversations—Eighteenth Day
Meetings of the Formulation Groups and the Joint Steering Committee
The formulation groups (which had worked late the night before) produced by early afternoon a draft of the entire joint recommendations for consideration by the Joint Steering Committee.
The latter Committee met at 3:00 p.m. and, with an interruption for dinner, continued until after midnight.
Points of particular interest include the following:
(a) New Proposal on the Subject of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms
I suggested at the meeting of the Joint Steering Committee the addition of a new paragraph on this subject for insertion in the chapter entitled “Principles”. The new proposal, a copy of which is attached to this report, had been approved by the American group earlier in the day with the strong recommendation that it be brought to the attention of the other groups. Sir Alexander Cadogan expressed opposition to the reference to human rights and fundamental freedoms, saying that he thought such a provision would give rise to the possibility that the organization might engage in criticism of the internal organization of member states. Ambassador Gromyko said that it was his personal opinion that the reference to human rights and basic freedom is not germane to the main tasks of an international security organization. They will both consult their Governments.
(b) Name of the Organization
Ambassador Gromyko continued to maintain the Soviet reservation as to our proposal that the organization be known as the United Nations. He suggested tentatively the title World Union. Sir Alexander [Page 790] Cadogan, somewhat to our surprise, said for the first time that he did not believe that the British Government is particularly “keen” about the title “United Nations”. He added that the British Government had at one time thought of proposing adoption of a title making use of the word “Union”.
(c) British Proposal for Special Qualifications for Non-Permanent Members of the Council
The British suggestion of a modification of this proposal71 has been made the subject of a separate memorandum to you.
(d) Regional Arrangements
Sir Alexander Cadogan pointed out that the provision that “no enforcement action should be taken [under regional arrangements or] by regional agencies without the authorization of the council” might raise difficulties in connection with the enforcement of the German surrender terms.72
(e) Responsibility for Control of the Axis States
Partly as a result of Sir Alexander’s comment referred to in the preceding paragraph, it was agreed to include tentatively in the draft document a provision that the council be empowered to take such responsibility for insuring the execution of continuing measures of control over the Axis states as might be assigned to it by the powers concerned.
(f) Interim Arrangements
In a further attempt to meet Sir Alexander’s point it was also agreed to insert tentatively a provision to the effect that pending conclusion of agreements for the provision of forces and facilities, the four powers and other states in a position to do so should provide such forces and facilities as may be needed for the maintenance of peace and security.
Other Points of Importance which Still Remain Open:
- (1)
- Voting in the Council. You are familiar with special steps being taken in this connection.
- (2)
- Sites for Bases and (3) An International Air Force. It was not possible to reach final agreement on these questions although it still seems unlikely that they will prevent final agreement.
- (4)
- Assistance to States Carrying out Measures Decided upon by the Council. We continue to feel that some form of agreement on this point should not be too difficult.