85. Telegram From Secretary of State Vance to the Mission to the United Nations1
Secto 8138. Subject: Comments at the United Nations on Modifying Resolution 242 Ref: USUN 2539.2
1. In response to suggestions that the U.S. might be considering modifying UNSC Resolution 242, you should leave no repeat no doubt that the U.S. is adamantly opposed to any effort to revise 242 in any way and would use its veto if necessary to prevent this. Secretary is committed to this position and nothing should be said that would suggest erosion of this position.
2. For your background, recent news reports have been dealing with a separate issue, namely whether the PLO if it accepts 242 and Israel’s right to exist might state its view that 242 in referring simply to refugees does not make adequate reference to the question of Palestinians. We are prepared to study any such statement which they might make to see whether it provides a basis for USG talk with PLO. But we will oppose any effort actually to amend the Resolution.
- Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, Trip File, Box 42, Vance, Middle East, 7/31/77–8/12/77: Cables. Confidential; Immediate. Sent immediate for information to the Department of State, Damascus, Jidda, and Beirut. Sent for information to Amman, Cairo, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem. The telegram was sent from the Secretary’s aircraft. In a handwritten note at the top of the page, William Hyland wrote, “Secretary Vance asked that this be called to your attention.” Carter wrote under it, “ok. J.”↩
- Telegram 2539 from USUN, August 9, reported that several “comments emanating from the UN Secretariat and delegations are now circulating on the possibility of modifying Resolution 242. These comments clearly seem to be inspired from the several press stories beginning over the weekend dealing with the PLO and Res 242.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D770287–0306)↩