840.811/8–1148: Telegram
The Ambassador in Yugoslavia (Cannon) to the Secretary of State
niact
Deldu55. Our chief concern here has been to assure that issue of precipitating break-up or going through to declaration at final session should support our more important general strategy at Berlin and Moscow. In Deldu 39, August 6 we showed intention to hold on for strong declaration precipitating break-up of conference after General Committee has gone through whole draft and returned to plenary. Deldu 46, August 9 forecast that break may come earlier.
I have tonight gone over whole situation with British and French delegates. I still set [see?] plenary as best venue for final declaration if possible. If earlier showdown necessary Articles 41–42, preferred by French, or Article 38 provide best setting. Article 5 tomorrow will develop some nasty spots but we are agreed not to break at this point.
No real distinction between plenary and committee where top delegates participate personally and press is admitted. Indications are [Page 684] committee will run quickly through Soviet draft pausing only where amendments require discussion. Our substantive issues are scattered throughout. Best ones are Article 38 which covers discrimination or perhaps Article 41 where there is British amendment on settlement of disputes and US amendment on UN relationship. Latter is practically end of convention.
Our Article 1 rejected as expected by usual 7 to 3 this morning, and British Article 2 this evening. We take it for granted our amendments 5, 7, 17, 38 and 41 will meet same fate. It is certain we cannot accept any convention produced in this fashion but I still believe we should build up case on steam roller tactics and hopeless though it looks, should make firm presentation on Articles 5, 17, 38, 41. My guess is this would fill up this week.
At moment I feel I should give Austrians not more than hint of foregoing but, if Department approves, will try to give them sufficient notice so they can take best position both as regards congress [conference] and their problems with Soviets in Austria.
British and French are both discouraged and inclined to play passive role henceforth. Our talk tonight made Thierry a little more resolute though he is withdrawing some of his amendments and will use tactic of non-participation in voting except where amendments our group are concerned. We had near crisis this morning when he wanted to walk out after offensive ruling by Bebler in chair (see daily telegram1). I persuaded him break must not come on non-substantive issue.
Department will realize additional responsibility this puts on US and also degree to which at all stages we are obliged to improvise to meet unexpected situations. Please instruct if overall policy such as Moscow talks requires change this method. If Department willing to leave us this measure of discretionary powers, please inform Paris and London since both Peake and Thierry will be cabling their Foreign Offices for instructions following our talk tonight.
Sent Department, repeated London 157, Paris 147. Department pass Moscow.
- Not printed.↩