501.BC/1–2248: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin)
26. In tomorrow’s closed meeting of SC for discussion of Governorship of Trieste it is suggested that after Council has taken note of [Page 506] negative replies received from Yugo and Italian Govts., you might find it convenient to state that, as Council is aware, UK and US Govts, are momentarily expecting receipt of Gen. Airey’s report on conditions during his administration of UK–US Zone since Treaty went into effect.1 You might point out that Council’s consideration of Governorship problem would be better informed and have more adequate factual background as to qualifications of Governor after study of Gen. Airey’s report on actual conditions in FTT.
Following such study of Gen. Airey’s report further time would be gained and it would seem appropriate if Council requested a similar report from Commander of Yugo Zone FTT. It would seem preferable however if this suggestion were forthcoming at a later meeting. Although we are at this stage desirous averting full-fledged debate of conditions in FTT which might result in a suggestion for a Commission of Inquiry we feel that Yugos may fall into error of preparing long-winded diatribe in submitting report which would suit our purpose.
Foregoing suggestion is not intended to block further discussion of Governorship if other delegations insist. In such event views set forth in Dept’s No. 9, Jan. 7, 7 p. m., continue to prevail.2
- Trieste despatch 18, January 17,
1948, not printed, forwarded four copies of the report, covering the
period September 15 to December 31, 1947, to the Department. In
addition one copy was sent to Rome and one to Belgrade.
(860S.00/1–1748)
General Airey’s report, as transmitted to the President of the Security Council by note of February 17, 1948, was designated Document S/679. Full text printed in United Nations, Security Council: Official Records—Supplement for August 1948, pp. 11–44.
↩ - Ante, p. 502.↩