Foreign Relations of the United States, 1950, The Near East, South Asia, and Africa, Volume V

350/2–2850: Telegram

The United States Delegation to the Trusteeship Council to the Secretary of State

secret

Geneva, February 28, 1950—4 p. m.

294. Tcdel 103. USDel discussed with Garreau and French Delegation this morning line which might be followed in connection with future consideration of Jerusalem statute.

Garreau said he and French delegation wished avoid special session GA on Jerusalem and also wished keep door open for negotiations with parties. They felt this could be done if Jerusalem question could be carried over to July session TC. In order achieve this end, French delegation had considered possibility that upon adoption statute this session, which is required by December 9 resolution, governor could be appointed (Tcdel 96, February 23)¹ with instructions negotiate with parties re implementation statute and to report back to June session TC. Garreau said in their view governor would be unable to do much this respect or possibly unable even to go to Jerusalem, and he would be obliged report these facts to TC in June for further consideration.

USDel suggested that lengthy attempts to find suitable governor, possible failure in this connection, and if one were selected, his probable inability to carry out his functions, would subject UN and TC to further criticism for its unrealistic handling of situation.

We suggested it would seem preferable for TC to avoid final adoption but upon completion of preparation statute to charge TC president with consulting two parties whose cooperation, notwithstanding provision of GA resolution December 9, essential for implementation of statute. President would report to TC June session either refusal of parties to cooperate or their suggestions for alterations which might make statute acceptable. On basis this report TC could then decide either to adopt altered statute agreeable to all parties or refer question back to next regular GA session.

Garreau and French delegation appeared to concur with procedure but thought it might be advisable for TC during closing days of present session to “adopt provisionally” statute pending report President in June.

Since USDel and French delegate felt president should carry on his negotiations between end of present session and June session and in order avoid substantial period of time between completion of statute and end of present session, it was considered desirable to turn next week to consideration West African reports as previously planned. While it is recognized that completion of statute would be lengthy process in view of probable discussions on certain article, it was nevertheless felt that after the three meetings Jerusalem planned for this week TC might suspend Jerusalem consideration for following week and take up other matters thus bringing provisional adoption of statute to near end of session.

Garreau said he would consider tactics which might be used in order achieve above plan and would keep in touch with USDel. He believed support of Argentina and Dominican Republic as well as other countries could be counted on.

Sent Department 294, repeated London 78, Jerusalem unnumbered, Tel Aviv unnumbered, Amman unnumbered, USUN unnumbered, Department pass Tel Aviv, Amman, USUN.

1. Identified also as telegram 272 from Geneva, not printed.