Office of the Historian

501.BC Spain/10–1648: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in France

secret
Washington, October 21, 1948—7 p. m.

Gadel 270. Prior opening Assembly we had instructed our missions Western Europe, British Dominions and other American Republics to seek views Govts there and advise FonMins that while we had no intention taking initiative on Spain we were prepared vote in favor of the two specific changes in 1946 Resolution (Paris Emb has Dept’s circular Sept 10,1 1 am; similar circular sent missions in Am Republics July 28.) Replies received indicate various Am Govts anxious propose these changes[;] most favored them and distinct possibility one or both changes would receive two-thirds majority even if British and French opposed. (Gadel 60 Sept 25).1 There will undoubtedly be increased pressure within next few months both here and elsewhere send ambassadors Madrid and more countries will unquestionably disregard 1946 Resolution if it is not modified.

Spanish question of course unimportant compared to Berlin issue and we fully recognize all other questions should be subordinated to that during present session. We nevertheless doubt whether all Latin Americans can be persuaded not raise Spanish question. We believe British and French preoccupations as expressed by Bevin and Schuman (Delga 358 Oct 16)1 would be substantially met if 1946 Resolution were modified without their concurring votes.

View advice previously given other Govts concerning our position we suggest following changes in draft given Delga 338:

Replace para 2 by following language:

“2. If nevertheless Spanish question is actively considered at this session2 efforts should be made to play down discussions to prevent Soviet bloc from utilizing it to embarrass US or Western European countries in connection with more important issues such as Berlin. US Del should take no initiative on Spain.”

Para 3. Change “chiefs of diplomatic missions” to “ambassadors and ministers plenipotentiary.”

Change end of para 5 to read: “points contained in paras one and [Page 1059] two above.” Will be much interested Gadel 427 Oct 203 in developments LA caucus.

Lovett
  1. Not printed.↩
  2. Not printed.↩
  3. Not printed.↩
  4. The Spanish question was not considered at the Paris meetings of the third session of the General Assembly, but was postponed until May 4, 1949, when the First Committee began discussion of this item.↩
  5. Not printed.↩