501.BC/7–847: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom
2982. Re urtel 3714 July 8 please inform FonOff following: Dept appreciates position expressed by Jebb re UK armed forces on territories other members UN. Our situation apparently different as US armed forces stationed on a few territories members UN without consent “freely and publicly expressed in treaties or agreements” as required by para 7b GA resolution Dec 14, 1946. In view desirability fulfilling requirements para 7b and in order be in good position meet any criticism from Soviet Union or others at Sept GA, we plan proceed secure consent to presence US armed personnel on certain such territories, preferably through exchange of notes, which could be registered and published under Art 102 of Charter, or possibly through joint communiqué. Please cable FonOff reaction urgently.1
For your info question has arisen our minds whether Jebb was expressing considered views of interested Govt depts when indicating reaction contents Deptel 2842.2
- In telegram 3908 from London, July 17, Douglas reported that the British had no objection if the United States decided to go ahead with plans to exchange notes or otherwise justify the presence of US armed forces on territories of other United Nations members. They preferred, however, that if the United States did so proceed that it would avoid giving publicity to the number of armed forces involved as such publicity might prove embarrassing to the United Kingdom. (501.BC/7–1747)↩
- Dated July 1, p. 543.↩