Office of the Historian

501.BB Balkan/10–2048: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Secretary of State, at Paris1

secret
Washington, October 22, 1948—7 p. m.

Gadel 283. In view importance we have attached to Greek case by advancing it on agenda and by Secy’s much publicized visit Athens2 which has focused attention on that country, believe it only appropriate (as well as highly warranted) that initial US speech on subject should be of dynamic and impressive character and that draft resolution should be correspondingly more vigorous, forthright and realistic.

We also feel relatively anemic draft transmitted Delga 443 [413] Oct 203 should be invigorated and certain omissions repaired in order avoid impairment prestige UN and powers supporting Greece, embarrassment which would result from presentation separate and perhaps extreme Greek resolution, and damage to Greek morale which Greeks have correctly pointed out could cause serious political and military consequences that country.

After careful consideration, Dept has accordingly prepared revised draft, which transmitted next tel,4 incorporating substantially stronger language and some new points but no additional commitments.

It is hoped strengthened version along lines proposed will meet with approval USGADel, planned co-sponsors, and wide majority GA. We believe it advantageous from viewpoint both Greek morale and tactics to start debate with strongest language justified by realities of situation and likely to rally good majority and that it would be unwarranted and unwise to weaken resolution merely to obtain additional noncritical votes. It should also be borne in mind that language is of the essence in this instance, since strong appeal to public opinion and tongue lashing for culprits is only substitute we can offer for Chapter VII5 action which situation really warrants but which could not be obtained or implemented under present circumstances.

Lovett
  1. The Secretary of State was head of the United States Delegation participating in the Third Regular Session of the General Assembly, the first part of which met at Paris from September to December 1948.↩
  2. For information on this subject, see especially the two memoranda by the Secretary of State, dated October 18 and 20, pp. 161, 162.↩
  3. Not printed; but see editorial notes, supra. ↩
  4. Infra. ↩
  5. Of the U.N. Charter.↩