493.46E9/9–1951: Telegram
The Ambassador in Ceylon (Satterthwaite) to the Secretary of State
179. Assume no announcement re suspension econ assistance Ceylon will be made before Mickiewicz actually sails which now unlikely (Embtel 178)1 before 21st. We are preparing some comments on GOC reply to our representations transmitted today’s Embtel 1752 which [Page 2061] Dept may wish Emb make orally to GOC at time announcement is made. I wld appreciate advance notice timing and nature announcement and assume no mention will be made of sulphur.
Re comment in Deptel 105 Sept 17 re Colombo exhibit we believe deferment decision re participation wld be advantageous as that wld still make it possible for us participate if Ceylon were finally persuaded observe UN embargo.
I discussed situation at length this morning with Lord Soulbury who feels arguments contained in GOC reply except for first sentence para 5 very weak. Gov Gen, however, has now been convinced it wld in fact be disastrous from standpoint polit fortunes PriMin and for GOC institute destinational control at this time. He said it wld be like asking UK Labor Party take some action leading to its defeat. While it might be more noble for Labor Party do so facts of life are such that it wld not.
In meantime, any details in addition, those contained Deptel 105 which Dept cld give Emb re argument presented by Jayewardene in defending GOC policy wld be helpful.
Repeated information London 75.