402. Editorial Note
After November 15, United States officials discussed with other delegates in New York the text of a draft resolution that, among other points, directed UNRWA to pursue its program, bearing in mind fiscal limitations, with the proviso that if funds were not sufficient to enable the Agency to continue all existing services, the provision of essential food, medical care, and shelter under the relief program should be the last services to be reduced. The draft resolution also urged all members to contribute or to increase their contribution to the fund. (Delga 455 from USUN, November 20; Department of State, Central Files, 320.511/11–2057) The United States draft, however, elicited strong opposition from Arab delegates who argued that host countries could not support the principle that UNRWA’s budget would depend on voluntary contributions and that some means must be found to ensure that the deficit be met. (Reports from USUN concerning discussions of the UNRWA question are ibid., 320.511 between the dates November 26 and December 5.)
After considerable negotiation, the Department of State decided to modify its draft resolution, a revised version of which had been tabled in the Special Political Committee on December 3 (U.N. doc. A/SPC/ L.21) in exchange for an Arab agreement to abstain on the resolution. (Gadel 102 to USUN, December 5; Department of State, Central Files, 320.511/12–557) The resolution was finally adopted by the Special Political Committee on December 6 (49 in favor, none opposed, 21 abstentions) and by the General Assembly on December 12 (52 in favor, none opposed, 19 abstentions). In its operative paragraphs, General Assembly Resolution 1191 (XII): (1) drew the attention of governments to the critical financial position of UNRWA and urged them to consider to what extent they could contribute or increase their contributions; (2) requested the Secretary-General to make special efforts to secure the additional financial assistance needed; (3) directed UNRWA to pursue its program bearing in mind the response to paragraphs 1 and 2; (4) requested the host governments to cooperate fully with the Agency; (5) requested the governments in the area in cooperation with the Director of the Agency to plan and carry out [Page 800] projects capable of supporting substantial numbers of refugees; (6) requested the Agency to continue consultations with the Palestine Conciliation Commission; (7) expressed thanks to the Director and staff of UNRWA; and (8) requested the Director of UNRWA to continue to submit reports.