840.811/8–1148: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Yugoslavia
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483. Dudel 39. Reur Deldu 56, Aug 11, Dudel 32, Aug. 10.1 Dept has given further consideration Brit Fonoff proposal (London’s 3629 Aug 11 repeated Belgrade 642) that US, UK and France withdraw conference prior to final vote in plenary session. Dept has made firm decision remain at conference until final vote on Soviet draft has been taken in plenary, regardless of action by British and French. Brit Emb informed this effect Aug 12.
Dept furthermore believes desirable hasten return to plenary as soon as vital issues voted in committee. You need not delay termination conference because of Moscow negotiations. (Moscow’s 1566, Aug 9 repeated Belgrade as 63). In this connection you will have recognized intent Secy’s statement in press conf Aug 11. Tactics for hastening return to plenary at your discretion. However in order to do this we suggest you should make blunt statements on basic issues as amendments [Page 686] to Soviet draft in committee but forego debate and avoid detailed discussion those and remaining Soviet articles.
Our decision participate final plenary vote Soviet draft opposing opinion expressed by Brit Fonoff based on desire of US not to be compared Soviet tactics walking out UN and other conferences. US anxious to demonstrate willingness to negotiate even in minority position, altho US will not sacrifice basic principles. Dept does not consider that British rights under previous treaties will be prejudiced by remaining thru final vote provided position’s reserving rights clearly stated. US delegation should support British-French claims re validity previous treaties.
Secy informed Pres. Aug. 12 that US will not sign Soviet dictated convention.
Dept sees no objection advising Austrians of our decision remain for final vote and advise that the US will not recognize jurisdiction new commission in Austria and Germany.