795B.5/6–1951: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the United States Mission at the United Nations
995. Re urtel 1614 June 6 regarding proposed appeal to UN Members for troop contributions to Korean effort, Dept, after further informal conversations with Defense, believes it desirable proceed soon as possible with appeal by SYG on behalf UC to those Members which heretofore have not made armed force contributions.
In this connection, Dept agrees with your view that foundation for SYG appeal be laid by advance discussions with number UN Members. Dept wishes avoid resentment which developed at time Jul 14 appeal last year when it was not clear that SYG action being taken on behalf UC. Further, number UN Members resented not being informed prior to appeal.
Dept has had under advisement fol: (1) Nature of discussions with other UN Members; (2) Number of UN Members which shld be approached informally prior to appeal.
[Page 536]As to first point, while Dept believes advance diplomatic preparation is necessary, we wish to avoid extensive exploratory conversations which cld cause undue delay and negate measurably advantage of speed which SYG appeal on behalf UC wld give. Dept anxious to make appeal soonest in hopes that such public request will act as catalyst in bringing to fruition number bilateral negotiations.
In order delay be avoided, Dept suggests discussions be limited to advance notification of action contemplated. Dept suggests further you outline generally contents of note we expect to send to SYG quoted in Deptel 964.1 It may be desirable to place emphasis on fact that UC is making further appeal for additional troops because no end of hostilities is foreseeable at this time.
As to second point, USUN shld inform fol: (1) 52 Members which indicated support for either June 25 or 27 res; and (2) Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and Yugoslavia. In event USUN is not able to inform some Members because of unavailability of reps at UN Headquarters, it is suggested you inform Dept which states not contacted.
Dept agrees with your view that we shld press for additional troops from UN Members on a continuing basis. However, rather than using AMC for this purpose, where discussions might possibly lead to an acrimonious debate on entire Korean situation causing delay in further UN efforts to get troops, Dept prefers at this time to continue pressing for additional troops by means of current bilateral negotiations being conducted with contributory and non-contributory UN Members.
Since appeal by SYG on behalf of UC wld be directed towards Members who have not previously contributed, only two NATO states, Norway and Denmark, wld thus be included. FYI Defense considers that communication of this nature from SYG to aforementioned two countries wld not be contrary to JCS injunction against “pressing” for additional troops for Korea from continental Eur NATO countries.
Dept recommends sending communication to SYG for publication prior to June 25.