Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, United Nations and General International Matters, Volume II

367. Memorandum of a Telephone Conversation Between the Legal Adviser (Becker) in Geneva and the Deputy Legal Adviser (Raymond) in Washington, April 16, 1958¹

Washington, April 16, 1958

SUBJECT

• Conference on Law of Sea

Mr. Becker stated the Indians, Canadians, and Mexicans had introduced a new proposal (see Geneva 1165²). He said that last night the Indians had suggested such a proposal and we had indicated to them that the introduction of such a proposal would ruin the Conference and we would consider it unfriendly. The Canadians did not tell us they were joining in it until after we had introduced our proposal and after Mr. Dean’s speech in support of it. Mr. Becker felt this again was a very unfriendly act.

He stated that after the Conference broke up several of the representatives told us they were much irritated and upset by the action of the Canadians and Mexicans and our Delegation feels that this proposal may backfire to our advantage. However, if it seems likely to succeed, our Delegation intends to work to break up the Conference rather than to permit it to carry.

He asked that we get out a cable tonight to all Embassies to have them urge opposition to the Canadian-Mexican-Indian proposal and to support ours, emphasizing we had gone to great lengths to develop a compromise that would bring about agreement whereas the Canadian-Mexican-Indian proposal is designed to break up the Conference.³ No European nation except Norway and perhaps Denmark has any use for it.

The Soviets strangely have opposed this new proposal on the ground that it is unfair to some nations—those that have claimed twelve miles before this Conference can continue it but no one else can get it. The voting begins Friday.

Mr. Becker also wishes highest representations to Canadians and Indians to present the way we view their action.

As requested by Mr. Allen, Mr. Raymond asked Mr. Becker to advise us next week as soon as it is clear what kind of documents are coming out of the Conference so that full powers may be obtained.

(Mr. Raymond immediately informed Admiral Ward, who suggested we emphasize the proposal would work to the advantage of the Soviet bloc, who have already claimed twelve miles.)

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 399.731/4–1658. Drafted by Raymond.
2. Dated April 16. (Ibid.) For text of this proposal, which was circulated as ACONF.13/C.1/L.77/Rev.2, see U.N. doc. ACONF.13/39, p. 232.
3. At 1 a.m. on April 17, Dean cabled a similar message, stating that the crucial moment for applying pressure through U.S. Embassies had arrived. (Telegram 1171 from Geneva; Department of State, Central Files, 399.731/4–1758) Circular telegram 973 instructing all posts along these lines was dispatched at 4:05 p.m., April 17. (Ibid.)