IO Files: US/A/C.1/303
United States Delegation Working Paper
Memorandum
Views of Various Delegations on the U.S. Proposal for the Establishment of a General Assembly Interim Committee
Attached herewith is a brief summary of the views of various delegations on the U.S. proposal for the establishment of an Interim Committee. The summary is based on views expressed in the General Debate and in conversations with members of the U.S. Delegation up to October 9, 1947. It should be noted that a majority of the conversations have taken place shortly after the Secretary’s speech in the General Assembly and before the disclosure of the full details of the U.S. proposal. Intensive conversations with the members of the Delegations of the United Kingdom, Canada, and France have been carried on. More liaison work must be done on this subject.
On the basis of present information, members of 17 delegations expressed a more or less qualified approval of the general idea of the U.S. proposal; 3 delegations indicated possible support; 10 delegations were reported as undecided and hesitant; 6 delegations were clearly opposed; and 20 delegations remain to be contacted for their views.
The breakdown according to geographic areas would appear to be as follows:
western europe
Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom favor the general idea of the U.S. proposal, while France appears to be lukewarm.
the scandinavian countries
Sweden is taking a negative attitude, with Denmark and Norway undecided. There is no report on Iceland.
latin america
Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico are reported definitely in favor of the U.S. proposal; Peru might support it; Chile has shown interest; there is no expression of opinion from the 14 remaining Latin American countries.
near east and africa
Turkey and Greece have expressed approval of the U.S. proposal, with Iran and Ethiopia having indicated that they might support it. Afghanistan is inclined to support it but is still undecided as is India, [Page 210] Egypt, Iraq, and Lebanon. There is no report on Liberia, Yemen, Pakistan, Syria, or Saudi Arabia. The Arab States have requested more information, but their ultimate position appears to be dependent upon their reaction to the U.S. position on Palestine.
british commonwealth
Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and the Union of South Africa favor the U.S. proposal, with the last showing some hesitation.
far east
China, while not enthusiastic, will give the U.S. proposal its support. The Philippine Republic and Siam have expressed unqualified approval.
[eastern europe]
The Eastern European group will of course oppose the U.S. proposal.