501.BB/11–1848: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Acting Secretary of State
urgent
Delga 818. Following are our recommendations on UN members whose home governments should be approached by US to obtain sup [Page 961] port for US–UK views on Italian colonies: (List was established at meeting of British and American liaison officers.)
Belgium, Bolivia, China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Greece, Haiti, Iran, Liberia, Luxembourg, Mexico, The Netherlands, Paraguay, Philippines, Siam, Turkey and Venezuela.
In each case it is believed US chief of mission should consult with his British colleague on best method of approach, whether joint or separate, whether to President or Foreign Minister, etc. In each case, US delegation will also approach delegation of country named.
In case of Siam, it might be well also to approach Siamese Foreign Minister in Washington if he is still there.
In the case of the Benelux countries, it will be necessary to overcome the French thesis that Tripolitania should be placed under Italian trusteeship at this time. The British brought the question up at a meeting of the Western Union but failed to get a favorable decision due to French opposition. It might be well to stress the military weakness of Italy which, in her best interests, should not at this time undertake a task which might require a considerable number of troops.
Delegation may have recommendations as to additional governments to be approached by Department after initial reaction obtained here.
Department may be interested to know that British state they have obtained promises of support on Cyrenaica from a number of Latin-American states (including Argentina) and believe they can count on 17 to 18 votes out of 20. Postponement for Tripolitania may be more difficult to sell, however, as French and Italians have been campaigning actively recently among Latin-Americans in favor Italian trusteeship of Tripolitania.