320/8–950: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the Secretary of State
818. Re Deptel 690, August 8, conversations with Jooste on SW Africa at GA. Foreign Office says British have been thinking along same lines as US. CRO and Foreign Office having meeting Thursday to reconcile views on subject and seek ministerial approval for discussing subject with Geyer, South African High Commissioner. If Ministers concur, Foreign Office hopes CRO will call Geyer in next Monday or Tuesday and express to him strong hope of UK Government that SA will indicate at GA some willingness to report on SW Africa. Foreign Office in accord with US as to desirability early action on this matter and of SA’s forestalling GA criticism. In event SA unwilling to act in accord ICJ opinion, which Foreign Office considers a good one. Britain may warn SA that UK support SA position cannot be expected. In view expected bitter Indian-South African quarrel at GA over Indians in SA,1 Foreign Office particularly desirous that SW Africa discussion at GA not become equally bitter and damaging to Commonwealth relations.
Foreign Office said if possible it would appreciate hearing soonest of line Jooste takes with US since Geyer will probably argue along same lines.