840.811/8–1048: Telegram
The Ambassador in Yugoslavia (Cannon) to the Secretary of State
Deldu51. At today’s morning session general committee French and US amendments preamble rejected and Soviet text adopted unchanged. Soviet bloc mustered usual seven votes each division with [Page 681] western group opposing. British abstained in final vote on Soviet version pursuant tactics they have decided upon.
French amendment preamble constituted new text but nearer Soviet version than preamble US draft. Principal points recognition historical basis international control Danube and establishment UN relationship. In presenting amendment French underlined Soviet interpretation freedom navigation excludes concept freedom of trade, also complained inactivity French ships in Rumanian waters which denied permission leave and unable participate cabotage trade.
Satellite chorus immediately rose endorsing Soviet text as paragon of preambles and rejecting French attempt to inject issue acquired rights and UN relationship. Principal bloc argument against latter is non-membership ex-enemy satellites because vote [veto] exercised by Britain, France and US. After Bulgaria, Ukraine, Yugoslavia and Rumania had spoken against French amendment Vyshinsky drove home final arguments. As usual he based his case principally on adherence CFM 1946 decision and importance preserve sovereign rights Danubian states.
US amendment textually less drastic than French but essentially made same points without eliminating cherished Soviet language re sovereign rights.
In presenting US amendment I took up Rumanian demand return ships now “up the river” and [by] citing statistics showing return eighteen Rumanian vessels requested and return eighteen effected. Emphasized fate vessels unknown after they passed down stream from section under US control. Yugoslavia and Rumania opposed US amendment. Summing up bloc arguments Vyshinsky noted absence mention sovereign rights in US draft but admitted slight progress in that French amendment did not propose delete such reference. We have not come far enough, however, and must have “respect” not merely “regard” for such rights. On UN tie-in Vyshinsky took tolerant attitude but argued not present in other economic agreements citing in particular Brussels pact.
At outset morning session Bebler complained secretariat overworked result submission numerous communications by USDel in English which not official language conference. During his remarks Bebler made interesting admission English language staff assembled by secretariat prior opening conference dismissed after [decision] excluding English as official language. This confirms our earlier impression (Deldu 18, July 30 [31]1) that prior arrival Vyshinsky Yugoslavia expected English would be official language.
At evening session I presented argumentation in support our amendment Article I discussing particularly obnoxious role Soviet controlled [Page 682] companies. This drew blood from Hungarians and Vyshinsky both of whom admitted general managers companies are Soviet citizens and thirty year lease port of Budapest to Meszhart. However they characterized assertion that companies enjoyed privileged position as “propaganda” and Vyshinsky argued at length that Soviet activities in Danube states not imperialistic since based on agreements between sovereign states.
Session rose before English translation Vyshinsky’s remarks. No vote seen [taken]. In defending Soviet draft against amendments Soviet clearly at tactical disadvantage. Vyshinsky much more effective on offensive. He obviously dislikes subject Soviet controlled companies and treads warily on this issue. By accepting Soviet draft as basis discussion and introducing amendments on principal issues, I believe we have adopted course calculated in circumstances to yield greatest possible propaganda dividends. We expect, however, to gain nothing else. From today’s session it is clear that Soviets disposed make no concessions of substance and western powers are agreed we should not press for minor drafting changes. At this stage, therefore, it appears likely Soviet draft will be adopted by committee without textual change.