Foreign Relations of the United States, 1951, The Near East and Africa, Volume V

711.56373/5–451: Telegram

The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Gifford) to the Department of State ¹

top secret

London, May 4, 1951—6 p. m.

5764. FonOff anxious learn Dept’s latest views on problem of timing defense negots with Libya and possible GA discussion of defense agreements. For this purpose, it wld be helpful to know, if possible by early next week, Dept thinking on following questions:

1. Does Dept expect question US and UK base agreements will be raised at next session GA and if so, what line is US prepared take?

2. Does Dept envisage necessity submitting text agreement or showing any other paper covering negots to GA and, if so, what wld it propose nature of such document be? (In this connection, see Embtel 5365 April 10.)²

3. Does Dept consider it possible or desirable avert GA discussion by postponing negots, or perhaps limiting them to informal prelim talks with Emir, ;until after GA session?

FonOff obviously concerned probability GA examination of plans for treaty arrangements, and in timing and tactics wishes keep in close step with US.

Re Deptel 5000, May 2,³ Stewart has apologized for delay in furnishing info. Delay due largely to continued uncertainties about form and extent aid, in view differences with France, Pelt, etc. Stewart promised ask UK Treas again for such info, which he thought wld for present have be in form of alternatives depending on extent acceptance UK proposals.

Gifford

1. Repeated to Paris and Tripoli.
2. Not printed.
3. Not printed; it reported the Department of State hoped the British were ready to provide further information on a program of financial aid to Libya. (873.10/4–1751)