34. Memorandum of a Conversation, Department of State, Washington, April 7, 19551
SUBJECT
- New Swedish Position on NNSC
PARTICIPANTS
- Count Douglas, Swedish Embassy
- Mr. W.P. Allen, EUR
- Mr. W.G. Jones, NA
Count Douglas called at his request to advise us of the new instructions being sent to the Swedish NNSC representative in Korea to propose that all fixed inspection teams be abolished and that total personnel be reduced to between 10 and 20 per country, all stationed in the demilitarized zone. His report followed closely the information contained in Stockholm’s 878 of April 6.2
We expressed the Department’s appreciation for this constructive and forward step, particularly in the face of the different and timid position presently adopted by the Swiss Government. Douglas felt that his Government’s decision reflected a firm determination to withdraw from the NNSC within a reasonable period and suggested that after the expected failure of the NNSC and the MAC to agree to the Swedish proposals, the Swedish Government would probably advise both sides that it could no longer continue and request that some other country be designated to replace it. He thought that thereafter Sweden would remain on the Commission for a short period to permit undoubtedly fruitless efforts to be made to obtain a substitute. At that point they would withdraw.
Although Count Douglas said his Government thought the Swiss position is perhaps undergoing some moderation, we expressed some concern that the Swiss, while avoiding a vote in the NNSC against the Swedish proposal, might seek to prevent a vote on the substance of the proposal on some procedural grounds.
Count Douglas stated that a copy of the instructions had also been sent to the Swedish representative at the UN, Mr. Thorsing, who would be advising Hammarskjold.
We agreed that it is in our common interest to keep this information strictly confidential.