840/7–2453: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consulate General at Geneva 1
Socec 30. Re USUN’s 36, July 24, repeated Geneva Dept’s 33, July 27, regarding proposed statement by Secretary General to ECOSOC on Headquarters Agreement.
Delegation should take following position:
- 1.
- After Secretary General’s report presented, US Representative should make short bland statement of gratification that negotiations had progressed so satisfactorily and join in Secretary General’s expression of hope any remaining problems this matter will be resolved in further discussions on application of Headquarters Agreement.
- 2.
- If possible US statement should be timed so as to minimize necessity answering questions. If Delegation pressed formally or informally to answer questions, should state negotiations conducted by US permanent Representative at Headquarters with Secretary General, note Secretary General states negotiations not yet concluded, and Delegation not in position to discuss specifics. Should express thought that any remaining questions could be dealt with in further negotiations between US permanent Representative and Secretary General.
- 3.
- If proposal made in Council for reference visa matter to General Assembly, Delegation should join Secretary General in strongly opposing.
- 4.
- If proposal made in Council to place item on future agenda Council, Delegation should not oppose but should make clear that another substantive report by Secretary General not necessarily called for and item might be disposed of by statement by Secretary General that practical solution achieved and system operating smoothly.
While issue should be avoided if possible, if Delegation forced to respond to question whether Secretary General’s report should be read to mean US now considers it did not make reservation, Delegation should state it is not aware of any change in US position on this subject.
Position paper with background material follows via airpouch.2