Foreign Relations of the United States, 1948, Eastern Europe; The Soviet Union, Volume IV

840.811/8–848: Telegram

The Ambassador in Yugoslavia (Cannon) to the Secretary of State

secret

Belgrade, August 8, 1948—8 p. m.

Deldu 42. Lest there be some misunderstanding on part of US press of our position in accepting Soviet draft convention as basis of discussion in yesterday’s meeting reported in Deldu 41 August 8, Department may find following information useful if explanation is asked for or in briefing if Department deems it advisable. Press might be reminded that this is normal way to proceed, citing peace treaty negotiations in which British draft taken as basis for work on Italian treaty and Soviet drafts for work on Balkan treaties without restricting scope of negotiations or committing any delegation to specific provisions of those drafts.

Department knows reasons for decision to circulate US draft even though there was no chance that conference would accept it along with Soviet draft as basis for discussion. These purposes having been achieved and since this is question of procedure rather than substance, we saw no point in forcing a vote on it when we saw chance to obtain arrangement whereby we could, by redrafting our major articles in form of amendments, focus committee discussion on desired points. In brief talk with Bebler before matter came up, we reached understanding whereby I would support his resolution and he would withdraw second paragraph.¹ Although Bebler did not withdraw paragraph in presenting Yugoslav resolution, and French delegation confused situation by proposing adoption US draft as basis for discussion, I stated our willingness to proceed on basis Yugoslav resolution provided that Paragraph Two be deleted on understanding we would resubmit our proposals in form of amendments. Vyshinski agreed.

When vote taken, paragraph by paragraph, first was adopted by 7 to 2. I abstained, not wishing to accept it without knowing definitely that our position on amendments would be safeguarded, but not being in a position to vote against it since I, myself, had already stated US delegation would go along with Yugoslav proposal if Paragraph Two deleted. British and French accounted for the two negative votes. Yugoslav delegation then withdrew Paragraph Two. Paragraph Three was unanimously accepted. Resolution as a whole adopted 9 to 1, France voting against. No vote taken on French proposal.

I learned later that Thierry thought we knew of his intention and did not grasp our reasons for resubmitting major proposals as amendments to Soviet draft. While our liaison was trying to straighten things out with French, call for vote left French alone in opposing Yugoslav resolution.

Sent Department, repeated Paris.

Cannon

1. Bebler had offered his proposal at the 7th plenary session on August 5, and it was debated in the 9th plenary session on August 7. At this meeting Vyshinsky agreed with Cannon’s arrangement for the omission of the second paragraph of the Yugoslav resolution because, if the Soviet draft was accepted as the basis for discussion, the other drafts could only be considered as amendments, in which case the provisions of the second paragraph would be superfluous. The three paragraphs of the resolution read:

   • “1. To consider the draft convention presented by the USSR Delegation as a base of all further work of the present Conference.
   • 2. To consider all proposals concerning the contents of the new convention, including all other drafts of the convention as amendments to the corresponding articles of the draft convention of the USSR Delegation.
   • 3. To fix as the latest time for introduction of new amendments in writing, August 9, 10 p. m.”