Foreign Relations of the United States, 1946, The British Commonwealth, Western and Central Europe, Volume V

862R. 014/7–2646: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in the United Kingdom ( Gallman )

secret

Washington , September 25, 1946—6 p.m.

6827. Aide-mémoire handed to South African Minister Andrews here Sep 25 repeats Deptel 6795⁷ except reference in para 6 to “In view of apparent South African misunderstanding of UN trusteeship system (Legs 982, July 12, pp. 14–15⁶).” Andrews suggested you make similar aide-mémoire available to Marshal Smuts.⁸

Please explain US attitude to Smuts and report any indications his probable attitude at GA. For your information South African Legation today has handed us memorandum from Smuts to Acting Secretary State setting forth arguments attempting to justify Union’s desire for outright annexation of Southwest Africa.

Sent London 6827; rptd Pretoria 151.

Clayton

7. Same as telegram 149, September 24, supra.
6. Not printed.
8. In telegram 8441, September 26, 7 p.m., Mr. Gallman telegraphed Mr. Clayton that Mr. Smuts was not expected in London until mid-October at which time he would obtain Smuts’ probable attitude in United Nations General Assembly (862R.014/9–2046).