Foreign Relations of the United States, 1948, General; the United Nations, Volume I, Part 1

501.BC Armaments/10–848: Telegram

The Secretary of State, in Paris, to the Acting Secretary of State

top secret
urgent

Paris, October 8, 1948—11 p. m.

Delga 259. Gadel 147, October 7¹ considered by staff and entire delegation this morning and plan unanimously approved US should not participate in debate, provided committee sentiment agreed Vishinsky resolution could be most quickly and decisively rejected by “silent treatment”. In addition agreed that if debate were to take place, US would probably have to participate actively.

Canvass of staff at morning plenary indicates considerable doubt whether “silent treatment” will work. British insistent on introducing their draft resolution and have been promised our support. Delegation drafting speech for possible delivery tomorrow or as soon as circumstances suggest. Speech will be propaganda vehicle attacking Soviet position and record and explaining why disarmament not feasible today.²

Marshall

1. Ante, p. 450.
2. The proposed text of the speech under reference was transmitted by the Delegation to the Department of State in Delga 277, October 10, 8 p. m. (received 7:14 p. m., Washington time), a thirteen page telegram, not printed. It was stated that Austin would probably deliver this address in the First Committee on October 11. (501.BC Armaments/10–1048)

   The Department replied as follows in telegram Gadel 167, October 10, 9 p. m.:

   “Pending review by Secretary tomorrow morning you should not deliver speech on disarmament whose text was reproduced in Delga 277 October 10, 8 p. m. Instructions follow.” (501.BC Armaments/10–848)