357.AG/10–1751: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom 1
2063. Dept has reconsidered views contained Deptel 1662 Sep 252 in light of Pelt’s query and recent NE developments (urtel 1853 Oct 16)3 and believes no change necessary. In fact foregoing seem reinforce Dept view that Brit shld accelerate Libyan independence no more than is necessary to have proclamation precede discussion Libya in Sixth UNGA. Reasons for insisting on such precedence well stated Lidel 192.4 Re para three urtel: while Dept admits charges of rigging are inevitable if independence proclaimed before Dec 31, fact remains that proclamation any time between now and Dec 31 clearly authorized by UN res. Re para four, Dept does not wish be drawn into UNGA discussion of mil arrangements with Libya and will endeavor minimize any such discussion which may arise. However, we wld indicate intention register any agreements as requested by UN Charter.
You are authorized in your discretion reiterate to FonOff views expressed para four Deptel 1662 for reasons stated Lidel 193.5
- Repeated to Tripoli and to Geneva for Clark.↩
- Ante, p. 1333.↩
- Not printed.↩
- Supra.↩
- Also identified as telegram 320, from Geneva, October 17. Ward claimed the United Kingdom was courting trouble and weakening the position of the provisional Libyan Government by seeking, through agreements with it, to “commit irrevocably duly constituted Libyan Government after independence and until April 1953.” (357.AG/10–1751)↩