500.CC(PC)/12–745: Telegram

The Acting United States Representative on the Preparatory Commission ( Stevenson ) to the Secretary of State

12864. Copre 513. I made the following statement at the opening of discussion by Committee 8 today of the Executive Committee’s recommendation to locate the headquarters in the United States:

“In order that there may be no misunderstanding it may be helpful to the committee if I state again the position of my Government on the location of the permanent headquarters of the United Nations.

Our position remains exactly as it was when the Executive Committee voted on this recommendation.

My Government wishes the members of the United Nations to come to their decision—whatever it may be—free from any influence or pressure and after the different points of view have been fully and fairly presented if they decide to confirm the recommendation of the Executive Committee to come to the United States we want them to make that decision solely in the best interests—both now and in the future—of the United Nations Organization as a whole and for no other reason.

My Government has not sought and is not seeking the headquarters.

Should the United Nations decide however to locate the permanent headquarters in the United States the Government of the United States and indeed the whole American people will welcome that decision and gladly undertake the very great responsibilities which this honor will entail.”

Stevenson