Balkans Commission. Your 367.

1. In the Council today we made a general statement supporting the
recommendations of the Commission but reserving our position on
details of the United States resolution. This leaves way open to
us to support worthwhile amendments submitted by France or
Colombia. Parodi [1] has not yet spoken and is we understand
consulting with United States regarding his proposals.

2. The following is a summary of our main points:

(a) Council cannot itself hear and evaluate evidence and must rely
on its com- missions of investigation to ascertain facts. The
Commission's 'conclusions' were conclusions as to the facts based
on the evidence. What the Soviet Union and Poland describe as
'facts' are merely selected extracts from the testimony.

(b) Commission was instrument of the Council and allegation that
it was not impartial implies that Council is also partial. In
actual fact evidence shows that it was the Soviet Union which
approach[ed] problem with preconceived ideas.

(c) The Soviet claim that Greek witnesses were all unreliable is
unfounded. Many witnesses, though illiterate, stood up to hours of
gruelling cross examination with only minor inconsistencies. All
liaison officers had a[n] equal opportunity to present witnesses
and any selection was made by committee of experts including
U.S.S.R. and Poland.

(d) The Commission had complete freedom of movement in Greece and
witnesses against the Greek Government spoke freely. Even
Communist newspapers were sure to attack the Government policy.

(e) Soviet statements based on the fact that the Commission did
not investigate the Macedonian issue are absurd as it was the
Soviet representative who insisted that the Commission team should
not visit the area involved.

(f) Liaison officers and Soviet and Polish representatives
attempted to divert attention from real task of Commission by
insisting on irrelevant investigation of internal affairs of
Greece. It was not because the Commission considered incidents due
to Greek internal policy.

(g) No adequate reasons have, therefore, been advanced why Council
should not accept conclusions of majority of Commission. The
report clearly indicates that continuance of situation on Greek
frontiers is likely to endanger peace and security. It is the
Council's duty to devise means to rectify position.

(h) Australia agrees with proposals made by Commission at
invitation of Council including establishment of standing
Commission which is the only recommendation which has been
seriously questioned. It is significant that Greece has agreed in
advance to establishment of Commission. Bulgaria, Yugoslavia and
Albania on the other hand while demanding investigation by Council
of incidents which they allege were provoked by Greece oppose
establishment of organ which could effectively carry out
investigation.

(i) Before expressing opinion on details of United States
resolution it would be valuable to have explanation of reasons for
departure from original proposal for 'a small commission or a
single commissioner'. It is possible also that alternative
suggestions may be made which should be taken into consideration.

3. Bulgarian Representative made a further statement claiming that
Council had [no] such authority under charter to establish
permanent commission. Johnson (United States) replied.