501.BB/5–747: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Egypt
secret
Washington, May 16,
1947—8 p. m.
778. Answering question contained in third paragraph urtel 552 May 7—solely for background information—if Sudan question referred by Egypt GA in preference SC almost certain troop question would likewise be referred GA.
Dept prefers this result for following reasons:
- 1.
- Possible in GA to separate discussion of Sudan question and troops question. On other hand in SC if questions separated unlikely that Sudan question standing alone could be placed on SC agenda since little relationship between Sudan question and international peace and security.
- 2.
- While USSR would doubtless pursue same tactics in GA as in SC (para 2 Deptel 7051) majority of smaller states might oppose USSR resolution in GA that troops be withdrawn immediately. This conclusion based partly on discussions of troops question in first session GA where Egypt received little support for similar position.
- 3.
- US vote unfavorable to Egypt in GA believed to have less unfavorable effect in Arab world than same vote in SC because of greater number of states voting.
Dept confirms telegram No 745 May 102 that views expressed in Deptel 705 May 3 should not be communicated to Egyptian Government.
Marshall