90. Memorandum From the Representative to the United Nations
(Yost) to
Secretary of State Rogers1
SUBJECT
- Content of U.S. Statement at
Opening of the 25th General Assembly
Pursuant to our conversation last week,2 I transmit
herewith a list of subjects to be considered for inclusion in the U.S. statement in the G.A. general debate,
probably September 17. It might be delivered by the President or, if he
prefers to come to the U.N. later, by you. In the latter event the
President might choose to address the Assembly during the “commemorative
session” in the week ending October 24. He would then speak more briefly
and in more general terms, but would perhaps wish to include some points
of substance, perhaps reserved from among the items below.
There are no major surprises in this list, but it does cover—and includes
some constructive proposals on—the major issues with which the U.S., as
the world’s leading power, would be expected to comment in this forum.
It is in keeping with the philosophy of the Nixon Doctrine that we will not shirk our world
responsibilities but we do expect others to share the burden in a spirit
of partnership. In addition to certain points which would be welcome to
(and whose absence would be missed by) the majority in the U.N.
audience, the list includes a number of points that the American public
will recognize as serving our interests and our prestige as a world
leader.
These suggestions have been worked out with IO and have Mr. De
Palma’s concurrence.
[Page 148]
Attachment
SUGGESTED MAIN POINTS FOR THE U.S. STATEMENT AT OPENING OF THE 25TH GENERAL
ASSEMBLY
Critical World Issues—Moving toward International
Stability
| 1. |
Arms control—SALT and key issues at CCD
|
| 2. |
Southeast Asia peace efforts |
} |
U.N. role in implementing settlements |
| 3. |
Middle East peace effort |
| 4. |
Major concerns of Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin
America—brief mention |
Keeping Globe Habitable
- 1.
-
Securing the peace—in context of
Nixon Doctrine (less
by ourselves, more in partnership)—devise more reliable
peacekeeping methods to share security responsibilities
effectively. Proposals in peacekeeping and peaceful settlement
(e.g., better organization and financing of peacekeeping, U.S. logistical support,
fact-finding/conciliation panels, ICJ reform).
- 2.
-
Sharing World’s Resources and Benefits of
Technology
- a.
-
Development Decade—pronouncement
re U.S. position on
multilateral aid; need to improve performance of UN Development
Program.
- b.
-
Seabeds—orderly and equitable
exploitation, stress benefits to all nations from
cooperative use (take account of U.S. economic and security
interests).
- c.
-
Cooperation in
scientific/technological advances—with stress
on benefits to all, including America.
- 3.
-
Making World Safer
- a.
- Human rights—Genocide Convention, Southern Africa,
spotlighting violations everywhere through Human Rights
Commissioner.
- b.
- Population—UN efforts
in services and research.
- c.
- Environment—monitoring pollution and safeguarding
ecology.
- d.
- Narcotics—World Plan of Action.
- e.
- Measures against hijacking and diplomatic
kidnappings.
Conclusion:
We need to do more through international institutions—let’s make them
effective.
