431. Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State1
New York, October 26, 1971,
2358Z.
3870. Subj: Bush–SYG Meeting Oct 26.
- 1.
- Bush requested meeting with U Thant Oct 26 in light of Chirep vote previous evening. At outset Bush said he would try to keep separate his deep personal disappointment that US position did not prevail for main purpose of his call. Bush said as we went into meeting he felt we would win. U Thant said his own estimate as meeting began give US the edge.
- 2.
- Main purpose of call was because Bush sensed SYG’s discomfort over emotional and carnival atmosphere in GA after key votes and when ROC withdrew. Bush said he wanted SYG to know that he and USUN would conduct selves so as not to complicate the problems of UN. This did not mean that there would not be real difficulties with Congress and Chirep defeat came at awkward time when efforts underway to solve deficit crisis. However, Bush pledged himself personally to do what he could to see that US continues to support UN. We would try to be constructive and would strive to counteract inevitable reaction.
- 3.
- SYG was obviously moved and expressed his appreciation. He very much hoped there would be no financial reprisals by Congress. He gave Bush an advance copy of his press statement (septel) in which he regretted departure of ROC. SYG indicated he understood sharpness of US disappointment over vote but said that in long run he believed UN would be strengthened.
Bush
- Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 302, Agency Files, USUN, Vol. VIII. Secret; Exdis.↩