740.00119 Control(Japan)/10–2945: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman)
2264. With reference to the suggestion concerning alternate voting procedures contained in your 3685, Oct. 29, 3 p.m., and discussed in [Page 818] Deptel 2243, Oct 29, 8 p.m., should Molotov question as you anticipate the voting procedure suggested for the Far Eastern Commission and indicate a preference for decision by majority vote provided American Chairman voted with majority, you are authorized to state that this Government would be glad to consider favorably such a suggestion.
For your information only: Dr. Evatt, the Australian representative on the Commission, in informal conversation has indicated a preference for the type of voting procedure which would leave the final decision to the Chairman rather than the suggested arrangement for concurrence of three of the four major powers. Also, in informal conversation with a representative of the British Embassy we have received indication that the British might not be averse to a change in the voting procedure as suggested above, and it is not believed the Chinese would interpose any objection to this procedure.
In your discussions of this subject please avoid any suggestion that we are making alternative proposals on voting, bearing in mind that the revised Terms of Reference as sent to you are in the hands of the Chinese and British and that we do not wish to be placed in the position of suggesting further revision to the Russians without simultaneous consultation with our other two Allies.