109. Circular Telegram From the Department of State to Certain Diplomatic Missions1
643. Infotel—In absence UK Foreign Minister our Ambassador London took opportunity with FonOff (Profumo) strongly to emphasize importance US attaches to Hungarian item leaving with him summary our specific views.2
Profumo in reply stated UK opposed inscription as a “cold war act” and that British UN Representative felt it was impossible obtain UN majority for it since “steam had gone out of Hungarian situation”. Our Ambassador expressed shock at this attitude and indicated that if this view is correct it even more stresses need “put on coal to keep up steam”. Our Ambassador made it clear that he wished highest level UK Government to be aware strength US feeling this matter and would be glad discuss it with Foreign Minister when he returns London. Our Ambassador stressed that it was just this attitude which we could not accept or even understand. Hungary is unique situation, not analogous South Africa, and we can only hope avoid great Soviet triumph over apathetic Western morality if we together demonstrate indignant disapproval.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 511.00/11–959. Confidential. Drafted by Moor; cleared by Newlin and EUR; and approved by Bruns who signed for Herter. Sent to Budapest, Moscow, and Paris.↩
- Whitney reported on his conversation with Profumo in telegram 2463 from London, November 6. (Ibid., 764.00/11–659).↩