330.1/7–3150: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom ( Douglas ) to the Secretary of State
659. Embtel 634. Embassy officer learned from Foreign Office that before instructions sent to Franks giving British view of proposed resolution to establish fact finding observation commission matter was discussed with Bevin. He was unwilling to take decision without consulting Prime Minister.1 Matter was, therefore, laid before Prime Minister who decided that UK position could not be determined without Cabinet decision.
As British position already outlined to Hickerson by Franks it is not reported here. Following observations, however, of possible interest: View at working level Foreign Office is very strong that resolution is ultra vires and contrary to undertaking at San Francisco.2 Passage of such resolution in absence of Soviet delegate, it is felt, would give Russians excellent propaganda material. British are [Page 315] therefore pleased with Hickerson’s assurance that resolutions will not be pressed to vote on July 31.
UN Department is busily devising instructions to Jebb on various courses of action to meet hypothetical Russian moves in SC August 1.