501.BB/11–2648: Telegram

The Acting Chairman of the United States Delegation to the General Assembly (Dulles) to the Secretary of State

secret

Delga 954. Following are Delga decisions November 24: Proposed UN guard. Considered US position on proposed UN guard. Discussed possible complications where armed UN guard might be attacked in the field; noted no basic objection but some concern was expressed by military advisers lest employment of guards might indicate possibility further commitment. Gross said Soviets, British, Belgians, and perhaps others now desirous minimizing their commitment of support of SYG’s proposal in view unexpectedly high budget. Objection raised use UN guards for protection supply lines or for guarding neutralized objectives under truce or cease-fire orders as contemplated SYG’s proposal. Conflicting views expressed on desirability specifying in detail functions UN guard in preference to broader terms of reference. Possibility also considered simply authorizing SYG increase present number guards with further study of SYG’s proposal referred IC or some other body. Decided sound out UK, French, Belgians and perhaps other delegates without giving appearance US [Page 33] receding from its position of support as stated in position paper (US(P)/A/C.1/345).1

Dulles
  1. This paper consisted of the statement of the problem and the recommendations contained in the longer position paper US/S/703 (US/A/1165), August 12, 1948, p. 29.