760.00/–1253:Telegram
No. 41
The Secretary of
State to the United States Mission
at the United Nations1
45. Re: Unrest in Eastern Europe. We consider popular demonstrations in Eastern Germany2 as highly significant development. There now exists clear evidence of unrest within satellite countries of Europe showing that these people want to be governed by those whom they select as responsive to their needs rather than by those who take their orders from alien masters. Problem of self-government and self-determination for these people is of direct concern of UN. Thus far discussion in UN of self-determination and self-government has centered almost exclusively on developments in dependent areas. Millions of dependent people have in recent years acquired independence or autonomy while formerly free and sovereign countries of Eastern Europe have fallen under a new imperialist tyranny. For this, if for no other reason, it is important that UN attention be focussed on Eastern Europe.
Moreover, we believe that present situation in satellite Europe causes Soviets real difficulties. We should keep directing world attention to manifestations of unrest in that area, not to precipitate fruitless armed revolt, but to help satellite people demonstrate to [Page 78] Soviet leaders impossibility of holding these peoples indefinitely in subjection.
Finally, world must realize that as long as Iron Curtain separates Soviet orbit from free peoples, there can be no basic change in present international tensions. Important to emphasize this point in UN, particularly in anticipation of intensified Soviet peace offensive.
These considerations lead us to believe that GA should discuss Eastern European developments at its 8th session. The debate itself is of greatest importance. Type of resolution to be adopted, if any, is of lesser importance.
Request you consult with French, UK and Canadians with view to obtaining their reaction to following alternative agenda items:
- 1.
-
Request Assembly consider Soviet repressive measures in Eastern Germany (including denial of US food relief) in light of UN Charter (Articles 55 and 56) and Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
While centering on Eastern German situation, debate might encompass reference to Eastern Europe in general. Since we would not ask GA to “invalidate or preclude” any action taken in Eastern Germany, there should be no valid objection to debate under Article 107. We are inclined believe debate would not have seriously prejudicial effect on Soviet attitude in any Four Power talks on Germany although we realize some UN Members might believe that it would create complications. Resolution might note results of debate as confirming urgency of terminating Soviet controls in Germany and consequent need for unification, and ask Four Powers to note this point in any meeting on Germany.
- 2.
- Request Assembly endorse principle of free elections in satellite Eastern Europe.
This formulation, while providing adequate basis for discussing Eastern German situation, would also avoid objections based on Article 107 and possible apprehensions that focus on Germany might prejudice success of Four Power talks on Germany. It would be fully in accord with our position re German unification through free elections. Any move to extend resolution, e.g., to North African and other colonial areas would have to be met in light of tactical situation.
We appreciate that to be effective an item of this character must enlist very broad support; otherwise Soviets will be quick to exploit hesitancy of UN Members to agree. We recognize that principal objection from others likely to be that introduction such an item will increase tension at moment when Korean armistice, possibility of Four Power talks and Soviet tactical shifts in general seem to open up avenues toward relaxation. However, as indicated above, we [Page 79] consider recent developments to be so important that UN, if it is to reflect realities of our time, cannot ignore this problem.
Request you report results of consultations soonest.
- Drafted by Eric Stein, Acting Officer in Charge of Pacific Settlement Affairs, and cleared with Thurston, Campbell, Kidd, Runyon, Bonbright, Scott, and Murphy.↩
- For documentation on the uprisings in the German Democratic Republic in June 1953, see vol. vii, Part 2, pp. 1584 ff.↩