320/12–1051: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Gifford) to the Secretary of State
niact
2669. Deptel 2844 Dec 8. I did raise question of election of Greece vs Byelorussia to SC with Eden on Dec 5. Eden said he could [Page 118] not agree to support Greece as Brit felt bound by agreement of 1946 to include a “Slav state” in SC under the concept of geographic distribution. This was telephoned US del GA Paris. I urged that Brit support Greece on second ballot. He said same principle applied to second ballot as first but I urged he give further consideration to second ballot. To this he commented that understood Greece would in all probability win without Brit vote. He also turned down my suggestion that UK might abstain. Harriman telephoned me evening of December 5 while I was dining with Eden. I raised matter again with him then. His reaction was identical with that of the morning and Morrison1 who was present agreed with him. This result without mention of Morrison communicated Harriman when he telephoned Holmes morning Dec 6. Holmes not present at conversation with Eden and Morrison; although he knew Eden’s attitude was unaware that Morrison participated.
I have appointment to see Eden morning Dec 11 and will try again to get him to change UK position.
Sent Dept 2669; rptd info Paris 1225.
- Possibly Herbert S. Morrison, Foreign Secretary in the previous Labor Government.↩