Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume V, United Nations, 1969–1972

69. Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State ¹

New York, January 11, 1971, 1745Z.

56. Subj: UK Withdrawal From Comite of 24.

1. Shaw (UK) informed Finger January 9 that UKUN had received instructions inform SYG UK withdrawing from Comite of 24.²

2. UKUN submitting its letter of withdrawal to SYG 4 P.M. January 11.³ Shaw also said that UKUN did not want knowledge of UK’s withdrawal from Comite to be public until letter submitted SYG.

3. Shaw further reported there would be stimulated question in Parliament January 12 in afternoon re UK’s withdrawal from Comite. He expected as result of stimulated question information would not be in press until Wednesday, January 13.

4. In response to question from MISOFF, Shaw said UKUN will be stating privately that it prepared consider possibility of participation in Comite’s work on UK territories if invited, but will not commit itself to actual participation. Shaw expressed personal view that he felt once ties have been cut with Comite, UK should not participate at all in work of Comite, even when UK territories discussed in subcommittees. He did not know what final decision would be re this matter.

Yost

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 19 UN. Confidential; Priority. Repeated to London.
2. Telegram 113 from London, January 6, informed the Department that the U.K. Government was considering withdrawing from the Committee. (Ibid.)
3. The U.K. note was transmitted to the Department in telegram 84 from USUN, January 13. (Ibid.)