Foreign Relations of the United States, 1947, The British Commonwealth; Europe, Volume III

865.014/11–2147: Telegram

The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the Secretary of State

secret

London, November 21, 1947—5 p. m.

6140. Itcol 93. Sixteenth meeting DepItCol held today 10 a. m. with Massigli presiding. Gallman represented United States. Egyptian Ambassador Abdel Fattah Amr presented brief statement in English reaffirming full views set forth in written statement being forwarded to Department.¹ Written statement emphasizes unity of Libya, claims Libya should become independent state immediately, and if Libya should need help during period of readjustment Egypt, either solely or conjointly with other members Arab League, would supply help required. Written statement also calls for rectifications of Egypt’s western boundaries and claims all of Eritrea. Statement says Egypt believes people of Italian Somaliland entitled to immediate exercise right of self-determination. Speech added nothing to written views and answers to American questions reaffirmed written claims. United Kingdom deputy asked if Egypt thought it would be just for Ethiopia to have outlet to sea. Answer was if Egypt controlled Eritrea Massawa would be made available to Ethiopia and, besides, other ports could be used by Ethiopia. French and Soviet deputies did not ask any questions.

Deputies continued discussion from last meeting on draft letters replying to certain interested governments for more than two hours without reaching solution. Soviet deputy stated same form of letter should be sent to all these governments (see Itcol 92²) and introduced new draft letter which would [have?] advised these governments to present their views to deputies before reports of commission are received and would have informed these governments they would have right to present supplementary views to deputies after examination of reports if they so desire. Gallman suggested Soviet draft might form basis of replies with certain modifications and additions. British deputy insisted replies should be modeled on letter sent New Zealand. Various compromise suggestions were not acceptable to either British or Soviets. During discussion Zaroubin emphasized his interpretation of agreed procedure (see Itcol 64³) that governments desiring present supplementary views after examining reports of commission must first present views for deputies to study reports of commission received.

British deputy finally suggested sending letters to governments concerned which would be same as letter sent New Zealand on understanding that another letter would be sent to these governments later containing points in Soviet draft which would have to be agreed to by deputies. British deputy agreed make modifications in Soviet draft acceptable to British Government today. Deputies agreed meet tomorrow morning to consider draft letters again and complete other business remaining.⁴

Douglas

1. The written statement under reference was circulated to the Deputies as document CFM/D/L/47/IC/76, November 18, 1947, not printed.
2. Telegram 6123, Itcol 92, November 19, from London, supra.
3. The telegram under reference, not printed, transmitted the text of document CFM/D/L/47/IC/29, October 21, 1947, p. 613.
4. At their 17th Meeting, November 22, 1947, the Deputies agreed to send an acknowledgement to the other interested Governments whose communications were awaiting replies and to withdraw the letters which had been sent in error to Canada and Australia on November 13. The Deputies also agreed to transmit to the Commission of Investigation the views presented to the Deputies by Ethiopia, Italy, and Egypt. The Commission was to investigate, in particular, any conflicting statements of fact in the views of the three governments. In pursuance of an earlier decision, the Deputies agreed not to meet again until after the conclusion of the Fifth Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers in London, November 25–December 15, 1947.