501.BB/10–1648: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Acting Secretary of State
Delga 355. Reference Gadel 81, September 28; 193 October 13.1 Delegation has completed conversations with Clutton, UK delegate regarding method of approach to other delegates and governments regarding former Itcols. We have not informed Department results these conversations because it will be necessary to have a delegation decision on whether to proceed with the campaign at this time or not. The delegation’s decision has been held up because US GADel staff concerned problem have been considering whether if necessary to obtain GA approval, we should modify in any way position on Libya which we took in CFM.2 We would of course maintain our commitment to British on Cyrenaica.
US GADel staff concerned with problem are considering the possibility that it would be best to return to the earlier NSC position of British trusteeship for all of Libya, laying however great emphasis on independence as the ultimate goal and providing for automatic independence after ten years. The latter provisions would be necessary to meet point of view of Arab states (Delga 243)3 and other anti-colonial powers.
Special provision will have to be made of course for return of Italian settlers to Tripolitania in order to conciliate pro-Italian feeling among Latin-American nations. The delegation intends to discuss this tentative position with British before reaching decision. We will proceed on this basis unless Department has some objection.