396.1 GE/5–354: Telegram

Fourth Meeting of the Heads of the 16 Allied Delegations, Geneva, May 3, 11:10 a.m.: The United States Delegation to the Department of State1

confidential

Secto 84. Repeated information Seoul 33, Tokyo 20, London 115, Paris 180, Moscow 39. Department pass Defense; Tokyo pass CINCUNC. Fourth meeting chief delegates held this morning with General Smith presiding. Eden summarized Saturday’s restricted meeting. He pointed out Molotov and Chou very sensitive on point of UN supervision elections; Pyun had successfully elicited Nam Il’s views on North Korean proposals; and restricted meeting definitely useful showing clearly where representatives stood.

General Smith said even in light his experience negotiating with Russians he was surprised at vehemence against allies and particularly US at restricted meeting. He emphasized it would be policy US delegation meet false allegations and slander and solicited support other delegations. He also emphasized Secretary’s view Communist assault on UN is serious and grave challenge to its integrity, good faith and future, and he solicited defense of UN from among delegations.

Considerable discussion followed on next steps in Korean conference. Eden pointed out question of future restricted meetings had been left open on Saturday so that matter could be reported back to heads of delegations for their consideration. Consensus of opinion: (1) Communist allegations and distortions should be countered; (2) important formulate definitive allied position soon as possible; and (3) this week’s proceedings might develop with two or three plenary sessions, their [then?] postponement for no speakers until Friday2 when allied proposals can be laid on line, completion of draft proposals by committee of nine, possibly another restricted small meeting, and possible informal discussion among certain delegations on preparations for Indochina phase.

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Commonwealth delegates and Garcia (Philippines) emphasized lack concrete proposals puts allied delegations in awkward and difficult position. They urged definitive allied position soon as possible. Zuleta (Colombia) pointed out certain consultations were needed before allied proposals could be developed, and suggested committee of nine complete its work, plenary sessions be reduced, and interim be used counter Communist proposals. General Smith agreed weakness our present position is its purely negative character, pointed out time and difficuties faced in concerting among 16 governments, reported consultations proceeding in Seoul, and urged that committee of nine complete its business as rapidly as feasible. Acikalin (Turkey), while agreeing usefulness small restricted meetings to grasp root of other side’s intentions, cautioned against permitting impression question of Korea is being dealt with only by great powers and China. General Smith and Eden agreed small meetings consultative only and all allied delegations should make publicly clear big powers not deciding Korean issue. Acikalin endorsed categorical refutation Communist distortions to improve our present position re public opinion.

Pyun said absolutely necessary develop common approach to Korean problem but also essential study Communist proposals item by item to formulate our definite position on which Communist terms we can accept or which not. He suggested plenary sessions could be used analyze Communist proposals. Pyun said ROK would reject North Korean proposals because they (1) set up All-Korea Commission superseding ROK and establishing coalition and (2) eliminate UN altogether by substitution international organization of their own.

Smith
  1. A set of minutes of this meeting (AD Verb Min/4) from which the time of the meeting is taken is in FE files, lot 60 D 330, box 14824. The meeting adjourned at 12:15 p.m.
  2. May 7.