158. Telegram From the Department of State to the Mission to the United Nations 1
Washington, April 18, 1970,
0331Z.
57999. Subject: Committee on Contributions.
- 1.
- We agree with Ambassador Finger’s intention to seek reduction in U.S. percentage contribution during forthcoming session Committee on Contributions. We compute average U.S. reduction each three year period since adoption of 30 percent-ceiling-resolution 1137(XII) at 0.44 percent. Negotiated reduction half-way between that figure and no increase would be 0.22 percent, which coincidentally is average U.S. reduction achieved over last two scales, those adopted in 1964 and 1967. In view of strong sentiment in Fifth Committee last year in favor of increasing relief to certain developing countries, we would be very satisfied if Ambassador Finger could obtain Contributions Committee recommendation of U.S. reduction of at least 0.22 percent for 1971–73 scale and if U.S. Delegation to 25th General Assembly could get such a recommendation adopted.
- 2.
- The U.S. strongly opposes the position taken by some members of Contributions Committee last year that a reduction in the U.S. assessment “may not be appropriate in the present circumstances.” Moreover under no circumstances could U.S. agree to any increase whatsoever over its present 31.57 percent figure. Not only would such an increase be intolerable in terms of its jeopardizing ceiling principle and increasing our contribution to the United Nations, but percentage increase would be adopted by Specialized Agencies to raise U.S. contributions to those organizations also.
- 3.
- Despite expert nature of Committee, we are prepared consider supporting in capitals foregoing positions taken by Ambassador Finger whenever Mission so recommends.
Rogers
- Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, UN 10–4. Confidential. Drafted by Richard V. Hennes; cleared by Frechtling, Fox, and Donelan; and approved by Assistant Secretary De Palma.↩