320/12–851: Telegram

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

Delga 564. Following is text resolution on self-determination (A/C.3/L.186) submitted in third committee by Afghanistan, Burma, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Yemen:

Whereas the General Assembly at its fifth session recognized the right of peoples and nations to self-determination as a fundamental human right,

Whereas the Economic and Social Council and, the Commission on Human Rights, due to lack of time, were unable to carry out the request of the General Assembly to find ways and means which would ensure the above-mentioned right to peoples and nations,

Whereas the violation of this right has resulted in bloodshed and war in the past and is considered a continuous threat to peace,

The General Assembly

(a) To save the present and succeeding generations from the scourge of war,

(b) To reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, and

(c) To take due account of the political aspirations of all peoples and thus to further international peace and security, and to develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples,

Decides to include the following article in the International Covenant on Human Rights:

All peoples shall have the right to self-determination.”

Austin