320/12–751: Telegram
The United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin) to the Secretary of State
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559. Re SC elections. GADel staff has attempted analyse voting situation and herewith presents recommendations concerning preparation for election now scheduled for Thursday Dec 13. It is clear that only through major effort can necessary 40 votes for Greece be secured. Accordingly, we strongly recommend action be taken immediately by Dept along lines suggested numbered paras below. We noted today some tendency turn toward dark horse as substitute for Greece. We have resisted this in strongest terms and believe issue must be presented sharply as simply Greece vs. By elo. Importance of earliest possible switch to Greece shld be emphasized, since first two ballots [Page 114] restricted to Greece and Byelo, after which in fol three ballots votes may be cast for any state. Moreover, since switch by some dels will probably be possible only when Greece develops clear lead crux of problem in securing substantial gain first ballot.
Fol is our analysis last ballot yesterday (restricted to Byelo and Greece alone) in which 32 voted for Byelo, 27 for Greece and one abstention. According best calculations we can make fol probably among those who voted for Byelo; 5 Soviets, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, UK, Fr, Neth, Iran, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Burma, Afghanistan, Yugoslavia, Israel, Iran, and 8 or 9 LA states (see immediately fol tel).1 Number dels such as Scandinavian and Neth had informed us they wld switch from Byelo to Greece, on assumption that Greece wld show clear lead. When this lead failed materialize they continued vote for Byelo.
1. UK and Europe.
Key problem is UK. UK position must have been taken by Churchill2 himself and involved failure to follow through on commitment given Greece. UK del here said wld switch to Greece after strong lead obtained; we note however, from Athens 2605, Dec 5, rptd info Paris 64, Eden’s personal note stating that if Slav state did not secure necessary vote on first ballot British wld then switch to Greece. In view previous efforts London and here, we recommend strongest representations at highest level including possibility of personal note from Secy to Eden, making clear the genuine seriousness this issue to them. Recommend same steps be taken re France. Re other states Eur area, recommend representations to three Scandinavian Govts and Neth either at Washn or their capitals, urging instructions that their dels switch to Greece on first or second ballot next Thursday. Background is that Scandinavian dels agreed vote on first ballot for Byelo, each member being free to switch vote for Greece thereafter. We were informed by Nor that they intended to switch but Sweden and Danes appeared to prefer continued support for Byelo. Dutch informed us their instructions were vote Byelo first ballot with discretion switch to Greece thereafter. Thors3 (Iceland) informed us in greatest confidence that he had consistently voted for Greece and would continue to do so but asked that this not be disclosed to anyone especially Scandinavian countries.
2. NE states if not inconsistent with Dept’s overall objectives in area, we suggest circular tel be sent Jidda, Baghdad, Tehran, Tel Aviv and Kabul instructing chiefs mission raise matter those govts. Suggest no approach be made Leb (which appears firm in any event) [Page 115] since FonMin here4 might resent action. Also suggest no action Damascus as del here apparently acting own initiative in view unsettled conditions and has apparently been firm for Greece. Also we think it wld be best leave Egypt alone, as approach in Cairo might be resented by Salah-el-Din5 and result his putting pressures on Arab States to vote for Byelo.
3. FE States.
Recommend representations to Indian and Indonesian Govts their capitals.
4. LA States.
Different approach to LA States recommended in immediately fol Delga.