340/7–2850: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the United States Mission at the United Nations
73. Dept wishes USUN to seek passage by SC of Res on relief and non-military assistance to Korea before Aug 1. Fol text is approved in Dept and shld be used in consultation with other Dels:
“The SC
“Recognizing the hardships and privations to which the people of ROK are being subjected as a result of the continued prosecution by the NK forces of their unlawful attack; and
“Appreciating the spontaneous offers of assistance to the Korean people which have been made by govts, specialized agencies, and nongovernmental organizations,
“Requests the Unified Command (USG) to exercise responsibility for determining the requirements for the relief and support of the civilian population of Korea, and for establishing in the field the procedures for providing such relief and support;
“Requests the Economic and Social Council and the specialized agencies to provide such assistance as the Unified Command (USG) may request in the relief and support of the civilian population of Korea, and, as appropriate, in the implementation of the resolutions adopted by the SC on June 25, June 27 and July 7, 1950; and to that end directs the SyG, in consultation with the rep of ––––––, as rep of the SC [Alternative Form: in consultation with a comite of the SC consisting of reps of ––––––––] to coordinate the nonmilitary assistance offered by govts, specialized agencies, and non-governmental organizations in fulfillment of the requirements set forth by the Unified Command (USG).”
Depts intention has been to produce simplified and flexible res whose passage wld place “UN umbrella” over civilian relief for Korea without interfering with responsibility of Unified Command (USG) in the field.
[Page 491]Ref in 4th para to implementation of SC Res is intended to cover such activities as UNESCO info program and ICAO air navigation assistance.
Re alternative language contained in para 4, Dept prefers single SC rep to participation SC comite. In Dept view centralization of coordinating functions in SYG is desirable as least cumbersome administrative arrangement. Moreover creation of SC comite here may stimulate request for SC Comite to handle military assistance. Nevertheless, in view of sentiment reported among SC Dels against leaving matter in hands of SYG,1 USUN may in its discretion agree to SC Comite despite Dept reluctance to see one established.
Dept regards Secretariat draft (urtel 140 July 27) as unsatisfactory because it divides responsibility which shld be centralized in unified command.
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In this regard, Ambassador Austin had made the following observation in his telegram 109, July 24, not printed:
“… [There is a] very widespread and strong feeling here, by no means limited SC members, but definitely including most of them, that Secretariat has already exceeded its authority in number of respects. It is felt that hopeless confusion and ineffectiveness will result in total UN effort re Korea if Secretariat and other organs UN such as ECOSOC go riding off madly in all directions on own initiative without prior consideration and authorization by SC. I disagree with opinion that SYG has exceeded his responsibility under Charter Opinions reported above are probably result of manner in which business has been transacted. However, feelings described above are held so strongly, particularly by Chauvel but also by others, as to constitute important political factor.…” (340/7–2450)
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