320/12–451: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin)
confidential
Washington, December 5, 1951—7:02 p.m.
Gadel 352. Re Delga 505 [504] Indians in South Africa. Practical value of idea using any third party would be as reserve, compromise suggestion if extreme proposals eventuate, but Dept doubts its acceptability to all three parties even in those circumstances.
Dept sees fol additional drawbacks:
- 1.
- Only task third party wld be as stated ref tel, to help parties get together and not become involved substance of question. For such limited, catalytic purpose, racial expert not necessary and probably undesirable.
- 2.
- US has consistently urged UK carry ball in this Commonwealth dispute. Suggested idea wld tend relieve them this responsibility, leaving US in unprofitable position holding bag for likely failure.
- 3.
- Putting US forward for such role wld open way for propaganda counter charges by unfriendly states re racial situation in US to confusion basic issue.
Webb