711.022/6–452
Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs (Perkins) to the Deputy Under Secretary of State (Matthews)1
- Subject:
- U.S. Colonial Policy
The large number of recent memoranda and comments on this subject within the Department, including particularly the comments in response to my memorandum of April 28, while demonstrating differences of approach, show that there is no disagreement on the basic proposition that both our long-term and short-term interest require us to maintain the uncomfortable middle-of-the-road position. There are, however, differences of view as to rationale, emphasis and tactics.
Mr. Hickerson’s memorandum suggests the reactivation of a working group to undertake an examination of the general problem, particularly since it will constitute one of the major sets of problems at the next session of the United Nations General Assembly. I agree that such a group should be activated. However, I strongly share the feeling that no statement of general policy or principles will obviate the difficulties of working out the U.S. position on specific problems as they arise. Therefore, while the group should, as an initial task, seek to clarify the rationale of our general policy, utilizing the 1950 study as a point of departure, its principal attention should, in my view, be focused on the two following objectives:
- (1)
- A re-appraisal of tactics and strategy to be followed in the UN. At the forthcoming GA our attitude on colonial matters will find its most prominent expression and the impact on world opinion will be greatest. The group should, therefore, explore both the content and feasibility of a vigorous initiative by the Administering Powers, which the U.S. could wholeheartedly back at the next GA both in a forthright presentation of the accomplishments and problems in the colonial field and in regard to specific items on the agenda of the Fourth Committee, or likely to be raised at the GA.
- (2)
- The development of an explanation of the conflict of issues involved which could be used as the basis of published documents, speeches by prominent Department officials or background information for leaders of U.S. public opinion in order to achieve a clearer understanding of and support for our policy by the American people.
I am prepared to designate Mr. Ward Allen, UN Adviser, and Mr. Herbert Hill of the EUR Planning Staff, as regular participants in such a group, together with such other officers of EUR, as the work may require from time to time.
- Copies were sent to Bohlen, Jessup, Hickerson, Byroade, Nitze, Allison, and Miller.↩