840.811/8–1348: Telegram
The Ambassador in Yugoslavia (Cannon) to the Secretary of State
Deldu60. From Dustmann for Michael McDermott and Dunning. Summary of background press briefing August 12.
US knows nothing about press rumor that French, UK, US delegates had big quarrel.
Radius’ statement on Article 5 made it clear American participation commission on permanent basis isn’t necessary condition to signing. Re UK raising question legality Soviet participation as riparian, it pointed out Ukraine touches river along northern channel but open to question whether USSR itself touches river. But we doubt can be proved USSR does not touch river as probably does for short distance. Next important US amendments after Article 5 are on Article 7, powers of commission; 17, 18 and 19, re special administrations; 38, mixed companies; 41, settlement of disputes and UN; 42, ratification, We want commission superior to special administrations not inferior as under Soviet draft. We prefer special sectors of river to be under commission, not administrations controlled by two riparians who could control traffic. That especially true of mouth of river. [Dustmann.]