Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, United Nations and General International Matters, Volume II

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

Washington, December 19, 1960—9:06 p.m.

1188. Re Mauritanian Membership.

1. USGADel should endeavor persuade sponsors 11-power draft² agree postpone consideration their resolution until resumed session on grounds Soviet amendments raise highly controversial Outer Mongolian issue and consideration this issue now could result in either postponement recess date or failure complete more pressing questions prior recess. If unsuccessful this effort, USGADel should support 11-power draft resolution reported urtel 1807.

2. As proposed reftel USGADel should strongly oppose any amendment to include Outer Mongolia this draft resolution and also oppose consideration as separate resolution Outer Mongolia and other pending applications at this time. Del should actively seek support other friendly dels for this purpose.

3. If draft resolution amended to include Outer Mongolia, delegation should abstain on amended resolution.

4. USGADel should endeavor persuade sponsors 11-power draft substitute “finding” for “decision” in operative paragraph 2 draft resolution since GA cannot make decisions.

5. USGADel should make no statements or explanations of vote.

Herter

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 303/12–1860. Confidential; Priority. Drafted by Hartley, initialed by Cargo, cleared with FE and in substance with Monsma, and approved by Sisco who signed for Herter.
2. Reference is to a draft resolution favoring Mauritania’s admission to the United Nations, submitted to the U.N. General Assembly by 11 African nations. Its text was transmitted to the Department in telegram 1807 from USUN, December 18. (Ibid.) For text, see U.N. doc. A/L.335.