90. Telegram From the Mission at the United Nations to the Department of State1
Delga 99. For the Secretary. Subject: Discussion with Soviets re U.S. contribution to UN. In past two days Soviet delegation in Fifth Committee has taken attitude re U.S. contribution to UN which differs markedly from past.
On afternoon, October 1, Soviets and Czechs were on list of speakers discussing U.S. proposal for reduction U.S. assessment to 30 per cent. Czechs made statement along lines of previous years, strongly attacking U.S. proposal. Soviets, however, withdrew from speakers list and requested meeting with USDel to discuss matter.
Yesterday Ambassador Zarubin and his staff met with Carnahan and advisers. Zarubin stated Soviet Delegation wished cooperate fully with U.S. on scale-of-assessments question and hoped would be possible find solution which would be satisfactory both governments. Then he stated Soviets prepared support reduction, in principle, of U.S. percentage contribution to 38 [30] per cent. However, Soviets wished be certain that method whereby that reduction implemented would not create pressure for increase Soviet contribution. After hour’s discussion of subject, Zarubin said Soviets would consider matter in their delegation meeting today and would discuss further with Carnahan 3:00 p.m. today. In concluding remarks, Zarubin reiterated desire cooperate with U.S. in every way possible. May be significant that change in Soviet attitude apparently occurred just after arrangements made for Gromyko’s meeting with Secretary.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 320/10–357. Confidential; Priority.↩