315/10–2050: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the Secretary of State
2268. Before receipt October 19 of Secretary’s personal message to Bevin (Deptel 2011) Foreign Office had drafted and Cabinet had approved instructions to Jebb directing (1) that he give no encouragement to Indian proposal reopening nominations for SYG, (2) that if his were seventh vote necessary to carry resolution he abstain and (3) that he support extension of Trygve Lie’s term.
In light of Secretary’s message, a revision of Jebb’s instructions, authorizing him to vote against Indian proposal, has been prepared and matter is being considered by Cabinet again this morning.
Information submitted by Jebb October 19 indicated that there might be six votes in favor of resolution (those of USSR, India, France, Cuba, Ecuador and Egypt. Yugoslavs expected to abstain). On this assumption without Jebb’s vote resolution would not receive necessary seven votes and his abstention would defeat resolution. It is possible therefore Cabinet may decide that it would be preferable in order not to irritate the Indians to have Jebb abstain in case his is casting vote rather than vote against Indian resolution.
[Page 153]Foreign Office has promised to let Embassy know as soon as information on Cabinet decision received.2
Sent Department 2268, repeated niact information Paris 651.
- Marginal notation: “Mr. Sandifer (UNA) informed 9:40 a. m.”↩
- In telegram 2271, October 20, 1 p. m., from London, the Embassy notified the Department: “Foreign Office informs us following Cabinet consideration instructions sent to UK delegation to vote against Indian Resolution (Embtel 2268). Reply to Secretary’s message (Deptel 2011) forwarded through British Embassy.” (315/10–2050) This cable was received in the Department at 8:56 a. m and the message relayed to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for United Nations Affairs (Sandifer) at 9:40 a. m.↩