772.00/8–1852: Telegram
The Ambassador in India (Bowles) to the Department of State
693. I am keenly aware of complexity Tunisian question and other issues likely to be raised at UNGA Assembly by African-Asian group, and I certainly do not underestimate difficulties faced by Dept. However, direction we take at this session so crucial in our relations here that I feel I have clear responsibility outline problem as I see it.
In April and May when I discussed Tunisia with Bajpai (circ 843 April 7 and Deptel 2448 May 6)1 their deep disappointment at US abstention on question SC consideration.
In many high quarters our action reinforced growing conviction we departing more and more from our traditional strong position in support legitimate nationalist groups in colonial areas. It used with great skill by Commie propagandists to illustrate our “indifference to problems Asian and African peoples” and our “obsession with cold war diplomacy”.
Ind leaders encouraged, however, by Gross statement SC that “if (Tunisia) is not included on our agenda at this time, Council will nevertheless remain open to any member of UN to bring question to Council’s attn again. My govt wld naturally reassess situation if that is done”.
This statement gen interpreted Ind as meaning if no results achieved in discussions between Fr and Tunisians, US wld look with favor on UN consideration problems. It underscored by aide-mémoire presented Bajpai on Dept request last May.2
I later wrote Secretary Acheson underscoring extreme danger to our position this part of world that results from any substantial and continuing departure from our historic position. I offered specific suggestions which were discussed in gen terms during my visit Wash in June.
At this time problems surrounding Bonn treaty were acute and I clearly understood grave difficulties faced by Dept. Dept moreover hoped that despite delays progress wld soon be made between Fr and Tunisians truly representative of their people’s aspiration to find solution. Since then I understand no progress reported and assume Tunisian question will come up for consideration at seventh session GA Oct 1952.
It is a hard fact that Ind officials and public leaders look on Tunisian and similar questions not only as test of US belief and support principle of self-determination but also as measure effectiveness UN itself. PriMinNehru during press conf in June warned “If whole of Africa and Asia combined cannot even get a subject discussed in SC [Page 798] because two or three great powers object to it, then a time may well come when these countries of Asia and Africa will feel happy in their own countries and not in the UN.
South African racial persecution also causing deep resentment here, and in all likelihood some move will be made for UN investigation and action at GA session.
Shiva Rao, member Parl, informed me this morning he is going to US early Sept at Nehru’s urgent request to propose to UN that special committee on info on non self-governing territories shld be made permanent, and not simply continued for another three years. GOI proposal will be that committee continue operate under 73–E as regular organ of UN and to continue function precisely as in past three years.
I am not overstating case in saying attitude which US shows toward Arab-Asian-African questions such as Tunisia, South Africa and colonies during forthcoming GA session may prove be determining factor in polit orientation Arab-Asian countries for years to come.
I need hardly add we deeply appreciate importance Eur defense and key role which France plays present plans. However, it seems hard believe recent Brit history in Ind, Burma and Ceylon would not convince Fr honest colonial reform only possible way keep Tunisia and other colonies as part Fr union.
Only alternative seems be bloody riots and wrangling ending eventually in Fr defeat and profitable only to Soviet Union. Of course good relations with Fr are vital to US. But bitter resentment of Asian-African nations containing hundreds of millions people and conviction we have ceased to represent cause of nationalism and independence seems dangerously exhorbitant price for US to pay.
Because of crucial importance we attach to retaining and strengthening ties with Arab-Asian countries I earnestly recommend US take clear affirmative early stand on UN consideration Tunisian question and also respond not only favorably but with conviction to other reasonable proposals which Arab-Asian countries may raise on South Africa, colonial info and related subjects.
- Regarding circular telegram 843, see footnote 1, p. 720. Telegram 2448 is not printed.↩
- Neither Gross’ statement nor the U.S. aidé-memoire is printed.↩