Office of the Historian

501.BC/8–1448: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in France

secret
Washington, August 18, 1948—4 p. m.

3182. We are following suggestion last para urtel 4214 Aug 14,1 and approaching Benelux countries. Please inform French, while we have no objection their further discussion matter Benelux, we would prefer our position not be mentioned by them pending opportunity for us to consult on matter wider basis. For your info Brit have not given us definite indication their thinking, although have implied Norway might become their first choice.

Marshall
  1. Officials at the French Foreign Ministry had expressed a desire to inform the Benelux countries of the United States position regarding the Security Council seat being vacated by Belgium, namely that it was impractical to support the candidacy of Luxembourg for this seat (501.BC/8–1448).↩