320/11–2050: Telegram
The United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin) to the Secretary of State
Delga 324. Re treatment of Indians in South Africa: Ad hoc Committee today passed Brazilian resolution (Delga 2971) with numerous amendments. Text substantially as follows:
“The General Assembly
Recalling its resolutions 44 (I) and 265 (III), relating to the treatment of people of Indian origin in the Union of South Africa,
Having considered the communication by the permanent representative of India to the Secretary-General of the United Nations dated 10 July 1950,
Having in mind its resolution 103 (I) of 19 November 1946 against racial persecution and discrimination, and its resolution 217 (III) [Page 571] dated 10 December 1948 relating to the universal declaration of human rights,
Considering that a policy of “racial segregation” (apartheid) is necessarily based on doctrines of racial discrimination;
- 1.
- Recommends that the governments of India, Pakistan and the Union of South Africa proceed, in accordance with resolution 265 (III), with the holding of a round-table conference on the basis of their agreed agenda and bearing in mind the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations and the universal declaration of human rights;
- 2.
- Recommends that in the event of failure of the governments concerned to hold a round-table conference before April 1, 1951 or to reach agreement in the round-table conference within a reasonable time, there shall be established for the purpose of assisting the parties in carrying through appropriate negotiations a commission of three members, one to be nominated by the government of the Union of South Africa, another to be nominated by the governments of India and Pakistan and the third nominated by the other two or in default of agreement between these two in a reasonable time by the Secretary-General of the United Nations;
- 3.
- Calls upon the governments concerned to refrain from taking any steps which would prejudice the success of their negotiations; in particular, the implementation or enforcement of the provisions of “the group areas act” pending the conclusion of such negotiations.
- 4.
- Decides to include this item in the agenda of the next regular session of the General Assembly.”
US voted against operative paragraph 3 because of final clause and abstained on final paragraph of preamble, operative paragraphs 2 and 4, and final vote on entire resolution.
Vote on entire resolution: 26 affirmative, 6 negative, 24 abstentions. Vote on final clause operative paragraph 2:27 affirmative, 12 negative, 17 abstentions. Vote on final clause operative paragraph 3:24 affirmative, 14 negative, 18 abstentions.
Committee recessed after final vote on Brazilian resolution. Upon reconvening in afternoon Indian delegation withdrew its resolution reserving right to re-introduce in plenary.
Staff considers three provisions of resolution unsatisfactory: (1) final paragraph preamble; (2) final clauses operative paragraph 2; (3) final clause operative paragraph 3.
Department’s views requested concerning position US should take in plenary and in particular whether advisable to attempt to amend resolution in plenary.
- Not printed.↩