501.AC/3–1248
The Secretary-General of the United Nations (Lie) to the Secretary of State
Sir: I have the honor to refer to the question of the accession of the United States of America to the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations.
You will no doubt recall that in Resolution 93 (I), adopted on 11 December 1946, the General Assembly, after emphasizing that it is essential for the efficient exercise of the functions of the Organization and the fulfilment of its purposes that the provisions of the Convention be brought into force in all Member States, laid particular stress on the importance of accession by the country in which the headquarters is located.
[Page 49]It is my understanding that a Joint Resolution authorizing the President of the United States to accede to the above-mentioned Convention was introduced in the last session of Congress, at the same time as ratification of the Headquarters Agreement was considered. However, the Convention on Privileges and Immunities was not acted upon in the House of Representatives, and only the Headquarters Agreement which is complementary to it was brought into effect.
In a letter sent by Mr. Charles Fahy, who was then Legal Adviser of the Department of State, to Dr. Ivan Kerno, Assistant Secretary-General in charge of the Legal Department, on 4 August 1947,1 it was stated that final favorable consideration of such accession to the Convention could be expected “when the present Congress reconvenes in January 1948”.
It has also been brought to my attention that at the time that the Convention was before the Congress, certain reservations were considered. The attention of the Department of State has already been drawn to the fact that these reservations, if maintained, would have very serious effects, particularly on the status of United Nations officials and on the financial position of the Organization.
I am sure that all aspects of this matter are being given due consideration, and I should appreciate any personal action that you would consider appropriate to speed the accession of the United States to the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations.
I have [etc.]