795.00/6–2751: Telegram
The United States Deputy Representative at the United Nations (Gross) to the Secretary of State
1729, Lie’s views re Malik statement; troop appeal. I saw Lie this afternoon at his request. He told me he had decided to return because of the Malik statement and also because of the problems rising re troop [Page 563] appeal. Concerning former, he expressed complete agreement with procedure we were following and expressed hope that it would lead to mtg between reps and military commanders in the field. He is convinced Malik’s statement must be taken very seriously. In his view, great significance should be attached to repeated references in statement to “the Soviet people” which he thinks indicate that statement was designed primarily for consumption of Soviet dominated populations to prepare them for end of Korean war.
Just prior to seeing me he had talked with Entezam, Padilla Nervo and Rau together. Padilla apparently had suggested a new approach to Chi Corns which Lie vigorously opposed. Entezam appeared embarrassed by Malik refusal to see him and wished to beat a graceful retreat to Washington. Lie encouraged him to do so.
Rau apparently had no suggestions to offer but expressed view that Malik statement indicated real Soviet desire for peace in Korea.
I gave Lie frank account of our efforts to see Malik. He pressed me very hard for info re Kirk talk with Gromyko. I told him I had no info. (This excuse will wear thin very quickly and I should appreciate Dept’s guidance as to how frank I should be with Lie, who wants to see me again tomorrow.)
Re troop appeal, Lie, while in Europe, had talked with Swedes, Danes and Norwegians. Malik speech hit like a bomb-shell and in Lie’s judgment put to an end for the time being at least any hope of getting troop assistance from these countries. He urged that we talk to these dels here as well as selected others to recommend that they do not transmit negative replies. I recommend that we be authorized to take this action here promptly.