Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Eastern Europe, Volume XXV

127. Telegram From the Mission at the United Nations to the Department of State¹

New York, October 27, 1956—8 p.m.

421. Re Hungary in SC. We met with UK and French at 6:00 p.m. to discuss tactics tomorrow’s meeting.

In response to question re timing and content of resolution, Lodge said we definitely felt we should not introduce anything for tomorrow. We believed we should try to begin drafting resolution Monday.² Tone should not prevent favorable development of present situation. Both Dixon and Cornut-Gentille agreed. They likewise agreed any move for cease-fire should be avoided in order not allow Russians and Hungarian Communist regime consolidate positions.

Dixon said his speech would present narrative of recent events based on factual information in cables from Budapest. Thereafter he would make point that any attempt justify present Russian troop action under Warsaw Pact completely contrary terms of Article 8 of that treaty.³ He said material used by Sir Hartley Shawcross⁴ in Mindszenty case would also be drawn upon.

Both French and UK indicated objection to any commission of inquiry, fearing precedent this might set in their own problems.

We also agreed 3 would not initiate invitation to Hungarian UN representative in order avoid impression SC action aimed at Hungarians. If he should request participate in discussions, however, agreed it difficult oppose normal invitation.

Cornut-Gentille had just spoken on phone to Sobolev (USSR) prior our meeting. From conversation it appears Soviet line will be there no necessity for meeting; no situation exists upon which base this item. It is anticipated Sobolev may move adjournment and will certainly oppose inclusion of item. On adjournment motion, it was agreed immediately vote this down. If objection to adoption agenda made by Sobolev, SC President will thereafter immediately put to vote question inclusion this item.⁵

Of other SC members contacted, all had given favorable comments except Yugoslavia, which was non-committal. Belgium not yet contacted.⁶

Lodge

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 764.00/10–2756. Confidential; Priority.
2. October 29. Cornut-Gentille had initially wanted the Security Council to begin deliberations on this matter on October 27, but Dixon, supported by Lodge, favored Sunday afternoon, October 28. Thus the 746th meeting of the Security Council, which was concerned with developments in Hungary, met between 4 and 9:50 p.m. on October 28. (Telegram 417 from USUN, October 27; ibid., 764.00/10–2756)
3. This specified “respect for each other’s independence and sovereignty” and “nonintervention in each other’s domestic affairs.”
4. British jurist and Labour Member of Parliament; Chief Prosecutor at the Nuremberg War Trials.
5. The Hungarian question was placed on the agenda of the Security Council on October 28 by a vote of 9 to 1 (the Soviet Union), with Yugoslavia abstaining.
6. Circular telegram 321, October 27, instructed the Mission at the United Nations to solicit the support of the Delegations of Cuba, Peru, Australia, Iran, China, and Belgium for the U.S.–U.K.–French initiative. (Department of State, Central Files, 764.00/10–2756)