Foreign Relations of the United States, 1946, General; the United Nations, Volume I

501.AC/5–2846: Telegram

The United States Representative at the United Nations (Stettinius) to the Secretary of State

secret
us urgent

New York, May 28, 1946—6 p.m.
[Received 7:47 p.m.]

244. In a private conversation last evening, Dr. Quo³⁸ said that he and Sir Alexander Cadogan³⁹ had been discussing the question of diplomatic immunity for the representatives of the Security Council.

He said he realized, of course, that granting immunity to 3,000 people of the International Secretariat was a serious problem. He wondered whether it would not be possible for the top representatives on the Security Council to be granted diplomatic immunity immediately just as if they were attached to Embassies in Washington. Later, Sir Alexander Cadogan spoke to me about the same subject, saying that the present system was a great nuisance. I assured both Sir Alexander and Dr. Quo that I would take the matter up immediately.

I appreciate that this request raises a number of problems. Would you please let me know what I may reply to these requests?⁴⁰

Stettinius

38. Dr. Quo Tai-chi, Chinese representative on the Security Council.
39. United Kingdom representative on the Security Council.
40. The Delegation was informed by telephone on June 18 that “serious consideration was being given to the possibility of amending the International Organizations Immunities Act to give full diplomatic privileges and immunities to principal representatives to the United Nations as well as certain high-ranking members of their missions. In view of the fluid status of the whole question of diplomatic privileges and immunities it was suggested … that an answer to telegram 244 be deferred until such time as the current negotiations regarding the site convention have been completed [see the editorial note, infra] and it is known whether or not an amendment will be sought to the International Organizations Immunities Act.” The Delegation meanwhile was reminded that certain privileges and immunities were already accorded to principal representatives at the United Nations by the provisions of the International Organizations Immunities Act. (Memorandum of telephone conversation between Mr. C. M. Marcy of the Department and Mr. Samuel DePalma of the Delegation staff, June 18, 501. AC/5–2846)