320/12–1551: Telegram
The Acting Chairman of the United States Delegation to the General Assembly (Roosevelt) to the Department of State
priority
Delga 686. 1. Staff now considering draft UNRWA resolution embodying recommendations of Point REPT director and AdCom and applicable parts draft attached position paper (SD/A/C.1/373).1 General outlines of program discussed informally by staff with Vorys and Mansfield. Both admit need for program but suggested that distribution program over four-year period rather than three-year period would be more acceptable US Congress and other parliaments light other financial requirements next year. They questioned particularly large increase for second FY as too ambitious. Would appreciate Dept’s view these suggestions.
2. Delegation needs specific instructions on position we can take here as to amount entire program and yearly distribution total. In draft resolution we propose $250 million program, of which $50 million will be for relief. Program for next fiscal year $118, of which $18 million will be for relief.
3. Since $118 million for second year will be needed largely for commitments rather than expenditures we propose discuss with Blandford feasibility of planning match his commitments with corresponding commitments from contributing govts rather than outright cash appropriations. Wld Dept and Budget Bureau agree to request full amts scheduled program in contract authorization (three years) spreading cash requirements over four-year period? Blandford considers it essential have in hand full commitments from contributors prior discussions with Arab states. USGADel staff concurs this view.