501.BB Balkan/9–148: Telegram
The Secretary of State to Mr. Gerald A. Drew, at Athens
1261. Balcom 206. For Drew. Ee numbered para 3 Balcom 200 (Aug IT)1 further review in Dept reveals doubt whether GA could [Page 263] state with assurance Alb, Bulg or Yugo, without having properly recognized belligerency guerrillas are under obligation international law to disarm (or intern) guerrillas fleeing into their territories. Under present conditions extent of clear legal obligations A, B and Y appears limited prevention use their territory for outfitting or launching armed expeditions against Grk Govt.
Assembly can of course make recommendation containing major points para 3, Balcom 200, without specific reference international law. We would not wish have any loophole in UNSCOB recommendations for controversial debate in GA on degree applicability international law in such matters.
Accordingly, while otherwise favoring language para 3 reference tel Dept desires you withdraw phrase “in accordance with accepted principles of international law” from text you may have circulated on proposed UNSCOB recommendations to GA.