890.0146/10–1146: Telegram
The Ambassador in Australia (Butler) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 11—10:22 a.m.]
235. Deptel 208, October 9, 7 p.m.26 No definite reply yet from External Affairs re proposed Australian trusteeship agreement. Watt has stated that general feeling is that suggested revisions are too lengthy, that conditions New Guinea vary from those of Tanganyika and Western Samoa, and that Australia has adhered to UN Charter and would abide by its spirit but did not care to be restricted by too much detail, some of which might later be regretted. Embassy finds no disposition to question US formula of consultation with particularly interested powers prior to submission agreement to GA. No opposition so far manifested as to position of US as a state directly concerned. Watt intimated two days ago desire for conference on Embassy’s note dated and delivered September 23 but since then has received orders proceed NY October 13. Embassy presumes conference will be called next week.
- Telegram 208 read: “In view short time remaining before opening General Assembly please cable (Deptel 169 Aug 29) any available information developments proposed Australian trusteeship agreement.” (890.0146/10–946)↩