845A.411/11–553: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the United States Mission at the United Nations1
Gadel 67. Re Indians in South Africa, Delga 230.2
On basis GADel’s comments Dept has reviewed position.
We assume paragraph-by-paragraph vote, at least to cover objectionable paragraphs discussed Delga 144, will be requested in plenary. Since two-thirds majority will be required for adoption any paragraph, suggest GADel endeavor shift some of abstentions, and possibly even affirmative votes, into negative column. On basis our analysis committee vote, GADel might most profitably concentrate on paragraph 5(c),3 which GADel should make serious effort to have removed. Closest vote (32–15–11) was on this paragraph which introduced only really new element in situation and shift of only two votes could defeat in plenary; Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Argentina were among those abstaining who might be receptive GADel approach. Similar effort on paragraph 5(b)4 might be made, but it is not radical departure from previous GA resolutions.
If GADel’s efforts to defeat paragraph 5(c) succeed, then Dept believes GADel should, in light considerations previously advanced Delga 1445 and taken into account Gadel 41,6 again vote for resolution as a whole. Otherwise GADel authorized abstain.7
Although some similarities Dept believes many differentiating circumstances North African cases are such that they should not be considered as close parallel Indians matter.
- This telegram was drafted by Brown (UNP), approved by Popper (UNP), and cleared by Raynor (BNA), Smith (SOA), Runyon (L/UNA), and Murphy (G). Brown’s initials are shown on all the clearances.↩
- Not printed, but see footnote 3, supra.↩
- Referenced paragraph expressed regret that the Union of South Africa was proceeding with legislation contrary to the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, such as the Immigrants Regulation Amendment Bill.↩
- Referenced paragraph expressed regret that the Union of South Africa was continuing to implement the Group Areas Act, in spite of previous resolutions by the General Assembly.↩
- Dated Oct. 21, p. 1017.↩
- Dated Oct. 24, p. 1018.↩
- On Nov. 11, 1953, the General Assembly adopted the draft resolution, by a vote of 42 in favor, 1 opposed, with 17 abstentions. There was no vote on individual paragraphs. Although paragraph 5(c) was not deleted, the United States voted in favor of the resolution. For text of resolution 719 (VIII), see Official Records of the General Assembly, Eighth Session, Supplement No. 17, UN document A/2630.↩