501.BB/10–2148: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Acting Secretary of State
Delga 481. Following is draft statement on Mexican resolution approved by Gadel for delivery by Dulles Committee One today:1
“USDel views sympathetically resolution introduced by Mexican delegation. We accept principle that underlies it, which we understand to be that while those powers which were enabled to make greatest contribution to victory have right of initiative with respect to peace terms, this is a right which ought to be used affirmatively and constructively, and if not so used, consequences are of concern to all members of UN. In other words, larger powers have not only right but responsibility and if they do not adequately discharge that responsibility, others are entitled to concern themselves with that fact.
With that principle, as I say, we are in accord. We do not intend to discuss resolution as though it were technical directive. That would only precipitate in this Assembly acrimonious disputes. I recall that first meeting of Council of Foreign Ministers in London broke down primarily because one of five participants wished to eliminate two of five from further participation in treaty drafting then under way. I recall that in Moscow in 1947 nearly two days were consumed by insistence of one power that a state not a member of the UN should be entitled to participate in drafting peace treaties. I take it we do not want that kind of discussion here, and we assume that is not purpose of resolution. Rather it is to record solemn concern of all of UN in early conclusion of peace treaties. Government of US recognizes legitimacy of that concern and we pledge ourselves to renewed efforts which are sought by Mexican Resolution.”
- For the summary record of Mr. Dulles’ remarks, see GA(III/1), First Committee, pp. 222–223.↩