501.BC Armaments/5–1349: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the United States Representative at the United Nations ( Austin )

secret

272. 1. At Paris GA attached considerable importance to development of proposals referred to below, partly in hope that Soviet Union would find itself able to accept this modest step toward implementation of Article 26. Every reasonable effort should be made in CCA therefore to obtain Soviet agreement to proposals.

2. In view of tight schedule involved in developing in CCA measures for census and verification of conventional armaments and armed forces prior to Fall session of GA, Dept feels that introduction into Working Committee of a proposal along lines of that contained in RAC D–34f 1 should take place very soon.

3. Dept believes it essential that fullest use be made of period between end of present GA session and June 10 for consideration in Working Committee of proposal it is hoped will be produced from current discussions among representatives of UK, France, Canada and U.S. It is understood that during that period all Members will be available and meetings can be held with fewest interruptions. After June 10 it is understood some individuals may not be available and there might be interruptions in concentrated schedule contemplated.

4. It would be desirable to have French introduce into Working Committee as their paper proposal emerging from current Four Power discussions.

5. If agreement by the Four Powers upon a paper for introduction into Working Committee of CCA immediately after end of present GA session does not appear possible further instructions should be requested.

Acheson
  1. See footnote 4, p. 47.