320/12–751: Telegram
The United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin) to the Secretary of State
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Delga 560. See immediately preceding Delga [559]. Re: Latin American voting on successor to Yugo in SC. Last restricted vote yesterday, 32 for Byelo (Byelorussia), 27 for Greece and one abstention, according to best calculations we can make, wld seem to have included 8 or 9 LA’s for Byelo and 11 for Greece. We have reason believe Argentina, Chile, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Paraguay and Uruguay were among Byelo supporters. Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama and Peru have told us they voted for Greece. Venezuela before vote told us wld not support Byelo but did not indicate how it wld vote. Perhaps it was the abstention.
During successive ballots it became obvious some LA’s were voting for Byelo as tactic to deadlock and adjourn vote until after ICJ elections, as method of pressure for Ugon.
Conversations subsequent to ICJ election indicate Mexico and Paraguay may switch to Greece. On pure speculation we expect El Salvador, Uruguay and Venezuela also to switch. Election of Ugon might be determining factor in these cases. Argentina, Chile, Ecuador and, Guatemala are, in their several ways, special cases.
We have it from one LA colleague that Argentina and Ecuador, greatly influenced by possibility that SC, in Iranian or some other case, may in future again be confronted by question of right of a [Page 116] govt take over commercial claims of a national. Ecuador’s position in recent Iranian case will be recalled. It may be that these two countries will figure that Byelo can be relied upon more than Greece to sustain thesis that a state may not take on claim of one of its nationals.
Chile wld seem to have no logical reason for supporting Byelo, but in gen seems to be thought by its colleagues inclined do so. Perhaps resentment at US ICJ position influences it. Guatemala during this assembly has rather consistently been on Sov side, as was forecast by some at outset.
Some resentment has been noted over our recent démarches in LA capitals, which in one case was interpreted as protest and in others were made, or at least reported to their delegations here by FonOffs involved, so soon before vote as to appear to LA’s to represent open pressure. It occurs to us that without in any way seeming acknowledge efficacy of LA action or eat crow, Dept might usefully send another circular asking chiefs of missions to inform govts to which accredited that momentary incident in Paris arising over ICJ is in our opinion closed, that outcome was happy for LA candidate whom circumstances permitted US to support in Security Council showdown vote (US helping break deadlock by voting for Ugon) and that we give no credit to rumors that our failure to support Ugon at outset has created lasting differences between US and LA brethren. It is recommended that no further pressure be put on any LA govt including those believe are likely to vote for Byelo.
Such a friendly gesture as this démarche when learned of by LA’s here might well have favorable effect on dels which for final vote next week have been given discretion. Atmosphere has eased considerably in recent days, especially since Ugon’s election, but there is evidence that resentment still exists in some quarters and cld unfavorably influence voting.