501.BB/11–1348: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in France
us urgent
Gadel 464. For Gross and Rusk. You will recall that difficulty obtaining congressional approval for US trusteeship over Tripolitania or US participation in multi-power trusteeship was only one of several reasons why Dept did not favor such solutions for disposition this area. Other reasons included (1) inadvisability of attempting establish Amer administration over Arab territory in Med in light present relations with Arab states; (2) adverse reaction in Italy of US not only failing support Italian trusteeship but seeking this territory for itself; (3) impracticability multi-power trusteeship with or without US participation in view US-Brit strategic interest in area, to say nothing of increased administrative difficulties which would ensue. (Delga 711, Nov. 12).1
We do not believe it would be advisable even to suggest to congressional leaders that US finance a UN trusteeship to be administered by Trusteeship Council of which USSR is a member.
In any event I would be unable before Monday obtain opinion congressional leaders as most of those whom it would be appropriate approach are absent Washington.
Finally, Presidential approval would be required.
- Not printed.↩