Foreign Relations of the United States, 1950, The United Nations; The Western Hemisphere, Volume II

320/10–2350: Telegram

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

confidential

New York, October 23, 1950—9:17 p. m.

Delga 172. At meeting called this afternoon by UK to consider tactics for dealing with Soviet resolution on “strengthening peace”, Pearson (Canada), Spender¹ (Australia), and Nambiar² (India) and Lebanon favored amending Soviet resolution so as to make it acceptable to us. Younger (UK), Lacoste³ (France), Goedhart⁴ (Netherlands), Jooste⁵ (South Africa), Padilla Nervo (Mexico), and Lodge favored offering substitute. Group agreed to divide into two working parties, those favoring substitute to draft agreed text and those favoring amendment to draft agreed amendments. Menon subsequently indicated that India didn’t actually favor amending but would probably offer substitute resolution of its own. Whole group will meet Tuesday 3:30 at USDel to choose between alternative courses and decide on co-sponsors.

At subsequent meeting of those favoring substitute resolution Goedhart offered draft Netherlands resolution. Younger did not circulate UK draft declaration on peace and freedom but accepted Netherlands’ draft as basis for study. After extensive revision group agreed ad referendum on following draft:

“The General Assembly

Recognizing the profound desire of all men and women to live in enduring peace and security,

Confident that, if all governments faithfully reflect the desires of their people, such lasting peace and security can be established,

Solemnly reaffirming that, whatever the weapons used, any aggression, whether committed openly or by fomenting civil strife, is the gravest of all crimes against peace and security throughout the world,

Determines that for the realization of lasting peace and security it is indispensable:

1. That prompt and forceful united action be taken against aggression,

2. That every nation agree

(a) To accept effective international control and inspection of atomic energy under the United Nations plan,

(b) To regulate all armaments and armed forces under a United Nations system of control and inspection, with a view to their gradual reduction.

Declares that this can be achieved if all the members of the United Nations observe their obligations under the Charter and thus demonstrate by their deeds their will to achieve peace.”

Austin

1. P. C. Spender, Australian Minister of State (External Affairs), Chairman of the Australian Delegation to the General Assembly.
2. A. C. N. Nambiar, Alternative Representative on the Indian Delegation to the General Assembly.
3. Francois Lacoste, Minister Plenipotentiary, Alternate Permanent Representative of France at the United Nations, Consultative Adviser to the French Delegation to the General Assembly.
4. G. J. van Heuven Goedhart, Vice Chairman of the Netherlands Delegation to the General Assembly.
5. G. P. Jooste, Permanent Representative of South Africa at the United Nations, Vice Chairman of the South African Delegation to the General Assembly.