Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Africa and South Asia, Volume XI, Part 1

771.00/12–1054: Telegram

The United States Representative at the United Nations (Lodge) to the Department of State

confidential priority

New York, December 10, 1954—9 p.m.

Delga 371. Verbatim text. Re Morocco.

1. Arab Dels have informed USDel staff member that Arab-Asian resolution (Delga 365)¹ might be modified along more moderate and conciliatory lines.

2. French have urged Latin Americans not to engage any effort bring about more moderate resolution since they believe present text will not carry. Reps of Brazil, Mexico, Colombia and Honduras have informed USDel that Latin Dels have not yet concerted views on this matter, but they believe most Latin Dels would not be able oppose moderate resolution. Mexico, for example, though anxious stay in background, will vote for present Arab-Asian text.

3. French have urged USDel use its influence with Latins to prevent any attempts to draft a more moderate text.

4. We believe resolution if modified along lines of text quoted below would gain substantial support since it would amount to restatement of principles of 1952 resolution. Such a text would be difficult for US to oppose especially in view generally more moderate attitude Arabs at this session and friendly support we have received from several of them (notably Iraq) on key issues. USDel would not in any event engage in campaign to obtain passage of airy resolution.

5. Ambassador Lodge plans call Secretary tomorrow morning to discuss following text and Gadel 151² just received.

6. “The General Assembly

Having considered the question of Morocco,

Reaffirming its resolution 612 (VII) of 19 December 1952,

Believing that the settlement of this question in a tranquil atmosphere would promote friendly relations which should exist between nations,³

Recommends negotiations between representatives of the Moroccan people⁴ and the Government of France for the realization of the legitimate aspirations of the Moroccan people in conformity with the purposes and principles of the charter.”

Lodge

1. Not printed; it transmitted a copy of the draft resolution introduced in the committee on Dec. 9 by the Syrian Delegate on behalf of Afghanistan, Burma, India, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Pakistan, and Yemen. Differences between the Arab-Asian draft and the one proposed by USUN are noted in footnotes 3 and 4 below. (771.00/12–954)
2. Not printed; it said the Department of State was impressed with the relatively moderate tone of the Arab-Asian resolution, especially in comparison with the previous year’s resolution. In its present form, however, the resolution was unacceptable to the United States, and it suggested discreet negotiations with the Arabs to try to get them to change parts of it. The delegation was told to keep the French fully informed and to make clear to the Arabs U.S. opposition to an international conference on Morocco. (771.00/12–954)

3. The corresponding paragraphs in the Arab-Asian resolution read as follows:

   “Believing that further delay in the settlement of this question may impair the friendly relations which should exist between nations,

   “Recommends that an atmosphere conducive to peaceful settlement of the question be created in Morocco,”.

4. The Arab-Asian resolution used the phrase “the true representatives of the Moroccan people.”