501.BE/8–2449: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the United States Representative on the Special Committee (Gerig)
437. 1. Dept still feels (urtel 978, Aug 24) three-year extension Special Committee is reasonable and politically necessary compromise [Page 354] and one which administering powers should consider favorably in their own interest. Re attitudes expressed by administering members reported urtel, Dept desires information views Den, not present in informal consultation, as well as such further reactions Austral and NZ obtainable in private discussions. Dept would also welcome info obtained informally as to position non-administering members this question.
2. In further conversations with other administering members you should emphasize that main consideration is not what is acceptable to Special Committee but to GA where administering powers are in small minority. This factor considered of special importance this issue in view wide support Third GA for establishment Committee on permanent basis.
3. Belg, Brit, and Fr members should be informed that Dept feels statement reported urtel that their Govts might withdraw participation from a three-year Special Committee, should it become common knowledge, would have deplorable effect even if not implemented. Such a tactic would in our opinion be thoroughly disapproved by other UN members and would play into hands of Soviet propaganda on colonial issues.