Office of the Historian

113. Telegram From the Department of State to the Mission at the United Nations1

Washington, December 1, 1959—1:30 p.m.

Gadel 155. Re Czech Item. Department would still prefer see no resolution adopted on Czech item. If this not possible would prefer text suggested Delga 553.2 However Department recognizes not feasible split with LAs on this issue if we hope see US views reflected in any GA action. Department therefore believes USGADel, after consultation friendly delegations in other areas, should go along with LA text reported Delga 568,3 which though it refers “principle equitable geographic distribution” appears sufficiently hedged re application this principle as to safeguard GA’s freedom of choice any given year. LA text would be greatly improved, however, with addition provision suggested numbered paragraph 4 Delga 568 and with substitution “geographic rotation” for “equitable geographic distribution” in second preambular paragraph and in operative paragraph LA draft. USGADel should therefore endeavor obtain support for these changes. Department would also hope see deleted in first preambular paragraph LA text reference to GA rules of procedure re-election President which appears irrelevant this context and open possible interpretation that these rules of procedure have implications re criteria to be taken into account in selection GA President.4

Herter
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 320/11–3059. Confidential; Priority. Drafted by Hartley; initialed by Cargo and Sisco; cleared by Green, Nunley, Bacon, and Ludlow and in substance by Monsma; and approved by Wallner who signed for Herter.↩
  2. Delga 553, November 27, transmitted the text of a U.S.-U.K. draft resolution on equitable geographic representation of the General Assembly Presidency. (Ibid., 320/11–2759)↩
  3. Delga 568, November 30, reported on Lodge’s meetings with Latin American representatives regarding geographic representation of the General Assembly presidency, and transmitted the text of a Latin American draft resolution on the item. (Ibid., 320/11–3059) For text of the draft resolution, see U.N. doc. ASPC/L.40.↩
  4. The Special Political Committee considered the question of equitable geographical representation in the General Assembly presidency during its 163d-169th meetings, December 1–7. For a record of these proceedings and texts of the draft resolutions considered, see U.N. doc. A4340. On December 10, the General Assembly considered and rejected by a vote of 36 for, 40 against, and 6 abstentions the draft resolution forwarded by the Special Committee. The United States voted against the resolution. For a record of the debate and vote on the issue, see U.N. doc. APV.852.↩