845A.411/12–354: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the United States Mission at the United Nations1
Gadel 135. Re: Apartheid.2
Department would favor concluding action this item by adoption suitable generalized resolution and believes GADel should encourage [Page 1053] and support any such initiative by others. However, we consider GADel should not take active lead this direction. Preferable in this case that US, while continuing make clear its opposition to any form of racial discrimination, avoid taking position that could result in its active involvement in what might be regarded as partisan capacity in committee situation, procedurally or substantively.
Resolution discharging Commission with thanks and including general reaffirmation of UN objectives in human rights field reflecting relevant Charter provisions would be entirely acceptable. Since GA has previously spelled out in Resolution 616 (VII) B detailed objectives in multi-racial society, as well as made broad declaration regarding “religious and so-called racial persecution” in Resolution 103(I) we see no necessity for going beyond broad reaffirmation of Charter objectives with possible preambular reference to aforementioned resolutions.
Suggest GADel be guided by above views in conversations other delegations, emphasizing that we continue see no useful function for Commission and believe experience past two years indicates every reason to bring its work to graceful conclusion. GADel should also make plain standing US belief that discussion of questions of this character should not be focused on situation in individual member state but rather considered in context of world-wide human rights situation.