320/11–250: Telegram
The United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin) to the Secretary of State
Delga 220. Reference Delga 212, November 1. At meeting today Soskice reported conversation with Bebler. Bebler started by stating Soskice ideas wholly unacceptable as substitute for Yugoslav proposal. On its own merits, Bebler could not accept sub-paragraph c and would be compelled to vote against it if it were introduced. Further discussion indicated that Yugoslavia prepared to drop idea of branding [Page 429] non-complier as aggressor, but feels strongly about retaining automatic cease-fire.
Bebler suggested that best tactics might be for Yugoslavia to introduce its present resolution but indicate that it feels strongly about objectives but not about form, and invites discussion. Then other countries might speak stating support for objectives Yugoslav proposals but indicate difficulties with present draft and suggest possible changes along lines Soskice proposal. It might then be sent to a subcommittee where new agreed text might emerge.
Soskice suggested Bebler try to come up with some suggestions re proposed substitute which might be basis for agreement. In parting Soskice threw out as personal idea, subject to further thought and clearance, suggestion discussed at earlier meeting for sentence which might meet part way Yugoslav insistence on automatic cease-fire. Such sentence might recommend that state becoming engaged in hostilities shall take all practicable steps to bring them to an end as soon as possible. Bebler appeared interested and will study it.
Meeting today agreed tactics suggested by Bebler might be preferable to having US, UK, Canada, France speak against Yugoslav resolution, particularly since it is not clear what the Soviets will do. It was thought, however, that sub-committee idea entails dangers and that it would be preferable if possible to achieve a text in advance which would be acceptable to all. Such a text might start with sentence along the lines Soskice suggestion to Bebler, then add text previously agreed on (Delga 212), but dropping paragraph c of that text if Bebler insists. New text then might begin along following lines:
“Recommends that if a state becomes engaged in armed conflict with another state or states, it shall take all steps practicable in the circumstances to bring the armed conflict to an end at the earliest possible moment in accordance with the principles of justice and the Charter of the UN. In addition, it shall immediately, in any case, within twenty-four hours, after the outbreak of armed conflict. …”
Representatives agreed to consult their governments along these lines and meet again as soon as instructions received.
Yugoslav item may come up Committee I Saturday, probably Monday.1
Department’s comments requested.
- The First Committee began its consideration of the proposed Yugoslav resolution, “Duties of States in the event of the outbreak of hostilities,” on November 4; for the committee proceedings, see GA (V), First Committee, pp. 247 ff. At this time the chairman of the Yugoslav Delegation, Foreign Minister Edvard Kardelj, introduced a resolution which followed very closely the text of the October 23 draft on p. 422; for the exact text see U.N. Doc. A/C.1/604, October 30, 1950 in GA (V), Annexes, vol. ii, fascicule 72, p. 3.↩