320/12–1150: Telegram

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

confidential   priority

Gadel 175. Dept authorizes USDel abstain in plenary on res urging So Afr submit trusteeship agreement [Draft Resolution II]. Del may explain abstention on fol grounds in its discretion: that although US has always favored placing SWA under trusteeship, several previous res this subject sufficient to indicate GA desire SWA trusteeship if So Afr wishes modify present mandate by such means. Furthermore, 4th preambular para might be interpreted as calling in question ICJ opinion regarding (a) relationship between trusteeship system and mandates system and (b) legal obligations So Afr re trusteeship submission. 2nd operative para might be interpreted as expressing GA [Page 507] view that trusteeship only possible means of modifying international status SWA, whereas other means open with consent of UN.

Acheson