330.1/7–3050: Telegram
The Deputy United States Representative at the United Nations (Gross) to the Secretary of State
172. Niact Deptel 72, July 28. I discussed with SYG Lie1 the Commission resolution on a confidential basis. His reaction was one of enthusiasm. However, he said he saw great advantage in proposing the Soviets co-sponsor the resolution. His analysis of situation, which he admits is most tentative, is that USSR is on an appeasement tack. [Page 312] Lie does not feel certain of this, of course, but he believes there is enough possibility to warrant an attempt on our part to discuss the matter informally with Malik prior to introduction of resolution. I expressed grave doubt such course, would be useful. I expressed view our assumption has been any such resolution would be vetoed by Soviet and that we perceive great advantage to introduction of resolution on Monday before Soviet delegate launched his expected propaganda attack. Lie agreed it would be most useful to have such a resolution in effect and said that he thought the idea was extremely good and if in our judgment we could get resolution adopted on Monday it would be desirable to do so. He clung to idea of Soviet participation, saying that Soviet objection to many commissions and to Interim Committee had been based upon fact that they had not been established by SC.
I attempted to make clear our skepticism regarding USSR sponsorship of such resolution or their voting for it, or their participation in any commission that might be established pursuant to it.
At end conversation I repeated to Lie injunction to hold matter in strict confidence for present and he agreed to do so. My reaction is that Lie, if asked by any UN member, would strongly support resolution in its present form, and would privately express disagreement with any member opposed to it or reluctant to vote for it.
- Trygve Lie, Secretary-General of the United Nations.↩