320/12–1151: Telegram
The United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin) to the Secretary of State
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Delga 605. Re: SC elections. In conversation Gross with Jebb and Chauvel on other matters Dec 10, Jebb raised question of SC elections. From ensuing discussion it became clear UK del still without instrs to switch to Gr on subsequent ballots. Gross took opportunity to set forth in strongest terms US position along lines Delga 567, Dec 8. On basis Clauvel’s comments, it is clear, as we had suspected, that Fr position entirety dependent upon Brit and if UK switches to Gr, Fr will unquestionably do likewise. Jebb told Gross UK del wld seek firm instrs re position future ballots.
We have seen London’s 2669, Dec 10. We are struck by omission of ref on part of Eden to UK commitments to Gr and in particular Eden’s letter to Plastiras, text of which we have not seen but which is obviously interpreted by Gr Govt in Athens (Athens No. 2650 and No. 2668, Dec 8) as well as by Gr del here (Delga 581, Dec 10) as a UK commitment to switch to Gr after first ballot. Both Lloyd and Jebb have confirmed to Gross fact of earlier UK commitment to support Gr but neither has sought to explain repudiation of commitment. Re Eden’s comment to Gifford that Gr wld in all probability win without Brit vote, our canvass here shows that Gr may have difficulty even with Brit vote and it shld accordingly be brought home to Eden that votes of UK and those which like Fr are fol the UK lead will probably be decisive factor in outcome of election.
We also have reason to believe from discussions with Fr del that Maurice Schumann did in fact commit Fr to support of Gr as Politis had previously informed us (Delga 581, Dec 10). Altho absence of both Schumanns from Paris makes impossible requisite high-level discussions here, we still regard UK position as key (Delga 559, Dec 7).
We urge renewed efforts London stressing factors outlined Delga 567, Dec 8 and sharp focusing on UK commitments to Gr, facts of [Page 123] which are widely known here and violation of which is causing intense confusion and bitterness.
Sent Dept Delga 605; rptd info London 923