501.BB/11–1446: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to Senator Austin
secret
Washington, November
18, 1946—6 p.m.
287. USdel. For GAdel. Reurtel 804, November 14.3 1. Department regards principle of a ceiling for contributions as of paramount importance [Page 481] to the wellbeing of the United Nations. We hope that the Delegation will mobilize all its resources in endeavoring privately to convince other delegations of soundness of our position in this respect. In this connection we suggest special efforts be made to persuade the British Delegation which we believe will play a crucial role in this matter.
- 2.
- We still feel that any proportion above twenty-five percent should be recognized as only temporary and should include recognition of principle of a ceiling. We believe that any proportion higher than 33⅓ percent should be for only one year with specific provision being made for reconsideration of the whole problem at the next regular session of the Assembly.
- 3.
- We consider it is of utmost importance that Delegation make every effort to keep our temporary share below 40 percent and we note developments since date of your telegram indicate this may be possible.
- 4.
- Should Committee 5 vote a U.S. contribution of more than 40 percent we believe the Delegation should definitely vote in the negative as the only way in which this government can register its objection to what it considers a very unwise step from the standpoint of the United Nations themselves.
Acheson