Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, National Security Affairs, Volume II, Part 2

Editorial Note

At its 503d plenary meeting, December 4, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously approved Resolution 810 (IX) on the peaceful uses of atomic energy. The resolution had also been adopted unanimously by Committee I on November 23. For statements in support of the resolution by Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr., the United States Representative, November 18, 19, and 23, see Department of State Bulletin, December 13, 1954, pages 918 and 920–925. For the report of the First Committee endorsing the resolution, November 26, see U.S. Senate, Atoms for Peace Manual, pages 310–315. For the pertinent portion of the record of the 503d Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly, see ibid., pages 316–335. For additional information on the evolution and passage of Resolution 810 (IX), see Yearbook of the United Nations, 1954 (New York, United Nations Publications, 1955), pages 1–10, and U.S. Participation in the UN: Report by the President to the Congress for the Year 1954 (Government Printing Office, 1955), pages 16–24.

Resolution 810 (IX) reads as follows:

“The General Assembly,

Believing that the benefits arising from the momentous discovery of atomic energy should be placed at the service of mankind,

Desiring to promote energetically the use of atomic energy to the end that it will serve only the peaceful pursuits of mankind and ameliorate their living conditions,

Recognizing the importance and urgency of international cooperation in developing and expanding the peaceful uses of atomic energy to assist in lifting the burdens of hunger, poverty and disease,

Believing also that all nations should co-operate in promoting the dissemination of knowledge in the realm of nuclear technology for peaceful ends,

A

Concerning an International Atomic Energy Agency

Recalling the initiative of the President of the United States, embodied in his address of 8 December 1953,

Noting that negotiations are in progress, and the intention that they should continue, for the establishment as quickly as possible of an International Atomic Energy Agency to facilitate the use by the entire world of atomic energy for peaceful purposes, and to encourage international co-operation in the further development and practical application of atomic energy for the benefit of mankind,

1. Expresses the hope that the International Atomic Energy Agency will be established without delay;

2. Suggests that, once the Agency is established, it negotiate an appropriate form of agreement with the United Nations;

3. Transmits to the States participating in the creation of the Agency, for their careful consideration, the record of the discussion of this item at the present session of the General Assembly;

4. Suggests that Members of the United Nations be informed as progress is achieved in the establishment of the Agency and that the views of Members which have manifested their interest be fully considered;

B

Concerning the International Conference on the Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy

1. Declares the interest and concern of the General Assembly in helping in every feasible way to promote the peaceful application of atomic energy;

2. Decides that an international technical conference of Governments should be held, under the auspices of the United Nations, to explore means of developing the peaceful uses of atomic energy through international co-operation and, in particular, to study the development of atomic power and to consider other technical areas—such as biology, medicine, radiation protection; and fundamental science—in which international co-operation might most effectively be accomplished;

3. Invites all States Members of the United Nations or of the specialized agencies to participate in the conference and to include among their representatives individual experts competent in the atomic energy field;

4. Suggests that the international conference should be held no later than August 1955 at a place to be determined by the Secretary-General and by the Advisory Committee provided for in paragraph 5 below;

5. Requests the Secretary-General, acting upon the advice of a small committee composed of representatives of Brazil, Canada, France, India, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America, to issue invitations to this conference, to prepare and circulate to all invitees a detailed agenda, and to provide the necessary staff and services;

6. Suggests to the Secretary-General and the Advisory Committee that, in making plans for the international conference, they consult with competent specialized agencies, in particular the Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Health Organization, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization;

7. Invites the interested specialized agencies to designate persons to represent them at the conference;

8. Requests that the Secretary-General circulate for information a report on the conference to all Members of the United Nations, and to other Governments and specialized agencies participating in the conference.” (Department of State Bulletin, December 13, 1954, page 919)