501.BC Indonesia/12–2348: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Acting United States Representative at the United Nations (Jessup) at Paris1
top secret
us urgent
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us urgent
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Washington, December 23, 1948—7 p. m.
4915. For Jessup: Answers questions raised your niact 6425:2
- (a)
- We cannot tell other delegations what we may or may not do in event SC passes your joint resolution and Dutch defy it. US attitude will depend upon whether Dutch in fact do defy it, if so on what basis, and particularly upon attitude other members Council. US responsibility is same as other members Council; we doubt that members asking preview our plans have themselves faced question what they will be prepared to do. We do not agree passage of joint resolution by SC would be futile; certainly it would not approach the futility of no resolution at all since it would clarify responsibility and mobilize public opinion in support of Charter. We cannot buy votes on such resolutions by pledging unilateral US action consequent upon such resolutions. Other SC members have equal obligation to use their imagination, political influence and resources to keep the peace.
- (b)
- Dept believes GOC should remain Indonesia until situation is further clarified and future both Indonesian problem and GOC itself can be determined, although, as stated in our aide-mémoire,3 it is our desire to dissociate ourselves from GOC if and when we believe we have made our full contribution to solution of problem.
- (c)
- Indonesian case has been discussed in preliminary way with both Brit and Fr but further conversations are anticipated. Result thus far has been disappointing in so far as any serious UK and Fr assistance in settling Indonesian question is concerned.
- (d)
- Believe you should proceed with your plans to sail on America Dec. 30. Present prospect is that Austin will be available Lake Success Jan. 3, if not we can make emergency arrangement for another rep. We definitely will not call upon you to fly to NY for early SC meeting and insist that you take a short rest which a boat trip might afford.
Lovett