353/8–1150: Telegram
The Chargé in South Africa (Connelly) to the Secretary of State
39. Secretary External Affairs Forsyth told me yesterday he proposed recommend to Prime Minister Union explore possibilities submitting SWA reports UN, especially as such gesture following SoAf decision send pilots aid Korea should make international community more receptive to Union’s problems (re Deptel 18, August 9). However, he was most dubious Cabinet would accept his proposal in view Malan’s two latest flat statements August 7 and 11 in SWA he not prepared submit reports.
First three Jooste’s four points accurate presentation government and general public opinion here. Be points 1 and 2, Forsyth has previously expressed same view. Be point 3, Forsyth did not bring up matter submission petitions but Malan in speech August 11 SWA said hearing petition by UN direct interference in domestic affairs. Re point 4, “reversal” South African position most unlikely not only in view Malan statement in Parliament ICJ decision merely advisory but also because of Malan’s two recent SWA statements refusing submit reports which opposition United Party favor.
In our discussion possibilities UN bodies examining reports Forsyth suggested establishment committee experts like Mandates Commission, and said Jooste had not reported Department suggestion of new committee GA set up especially for this purpose. Malan returns Pretoria from SWA today and Forsyth hopes present his recommendations [Page 480] next few days. We do not believe Malan will accept them, hut in unlikely event Nationalists lose SWA August 30 elections Union Government might reconsider present adamant stand. Sent Department 39, repeated London 2.