795B.5/6–651: Telegram
The United States Deputy Representative at the United Nations (Gross) to the Secretary of State
1614. Re Korea—proposed appeal for increase in contributions by UN members. Appreciate opportunity to comment on Deptel 964, June 5. We, of course, agree that it is essential to maintain strong initiative to the end of ensuring maximum effort to obtain or increase ground troop commitments from all loyal UN members. It would, of course, be most desirable to have general rather than limited appeal.
Appeal by SYG on UC initiative would not generally be regarded by UN dels as a step promising much result. Not much fruit dropped [Page 521] when he shook the tree last time. Moreover, it is essentially a one-shot operation and therefore it does not lend itself to the purpose of continuing steady pressure. However, an appeal by SYG, as suggested in reftel, might be excellent prelude to subsequent AMC consideration. For example, SYG might conclude circular with statement of his intention to keep AMC advised of responses and results.
We might then confidentially explore with selected members AMC following possible steps in AMC, which would be taken only if they seemed to hold promise in light of diplomatic exploration. This preparatory groundwork is of particular importance because, among other things, 3 members AMC (Brazil, Mexico and Venezuela) would be specially affected by contemplated appeal. At some reasonable interval following his circular, US might take initiative in AMC directly or through chairman Sarper, who is in excellent position to do so as rep of UN member with forces in Korea. AMC might meet to discuss desirability of additional troop commitments, and chairman might lead off such meeting with report of his own (prepared by, but not attributed to UC) concerning contributions previously made and responses, if any, to SYG circular. Diplomatic groundwork could be laid bilaterally with AMC members and this in itself would constitute a continuing pressure point.
Some such procedure as suggested above would, I think, combine the advantages of the 2 alternatives set forth in reftel, resulting in prompt issuance of one-shot appeal by SYG, coupled with continuing heat through AMC, both formally and informally. In connection with SYG appeal, only additional comment is that Dept may wish to consider laying foundation for SYG action by advance discussions with selected UN members. Sudden unheralded circular by SYG might be resented by some good friends.