320/12–1151: Telegram
The United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin) to the Secretary of State
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611. Re SC elections. Jebb has just informed Gross UK will shift to Greece on second ballot if Greece obtains majority on first ballot at forthcoming plenaries. Gross without success pressed for UK shifting to Greece on first ballot or in any event UK shifting to Greece on second ballot irrespective of outcome of first ballot.
In subsequent conversation Chauvel informed Gross France wld also shift on second ballot along with UK provided Greece obtained more votes than Byelo on first ballot. Chauvel also revealed that Fr FonOff reed info from Massigli1 to effect Brit FonOff had authorized Jebb to concert with Chauvel. It seems probable from this that Jebb has broader authority to shift than he disclosed to us altho this is inference only.
In light of foregoing, it wld be most useful to us if we cld obtain firmer info concerning nature of UK instruction to Jebb this matter. Altho we are hopeful that Greece will have majority on first ballot because of possible LA shift, there is still too much doubt concerning actual LA voting position to warrant relaxation of efforts to obtain UK commitment to vote for Greece.
Sent Dept Delga 611; rptd info London 926.
- René Massigli, French Ambassador to the United Kingdom.↩