Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1945, General: The United Nations, Volume I

501.PA/10–1645: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Chargé in the United Kingdom (Gallman)

Washington, October 16, 1945—6 p.m.

9166. For Kefauver from Hovde.¹⁶ List of commissions decided upon by Working Committee transmitted your 10713 of October 13¹⁷ most useful.

Concerning basic document for discussion at Conference, it has always been view of the Department that this would be the CAME¹⁸ draft as transmitted with British invitation. You were right in position taken in working committee on reference in agenda to French draft.¹⁹ The proposed amendments telegraphed to you September 29 were directed toward Conference draft, though French was considered in preparing them. The Department believes the French draft should be treated with the complete respect it deserves when the Conference convenes. But it would very much confuse and retard deliberations to present the Conference with two official drafts. Let the French propose theirs as a substitute when the Conference adopts the agenda, if they wish. It is our hope that they will not do so, but rather seek amendment of the CAME draft, which should be the basic working document unless the Conference makes a different decision.

If this seems unlikely of achievement you should suggest that International Secretariat fix a deadline three or four days after opening of conference up to which proposals for amendment or new proposals (such as the French) will be accepted and after which all that has been proposed, including the CAME draft, goes before the appropriate Commissions for consideration.

Action taken by Working Committee to refer reconstruction matters to Interim Commission is very good. Still trying here to get formulation of an American policy on this point. [Hovde.]

Byrnes

16. Bryn J. Hovde, Chief, Division of Cultural Cooperation.
17. Not printed; this telegram reported that the Working Committee had taken action on October 12 to have five commissions dealing with (1) title, preamble, purposes and principal functions; (2) general structure of organization, including Conference, Executive Board, National Commissions; (3) Secretariat and Finance; (4) relations with United Nations and other organizations, and location; (5) Interim Commission; and, in addition, a Drafting Committee and an Executive or Steering Committee composed of President of Conference, five Vice Presidents, and Chairmen of Commissions. (501.PA/10–1345)
18. Conference of Allied Ministers of Education.
19. Kefauver opposed the reference to the French draft, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the terms of invitation and the importance of having a basic working paper in the Conference.