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

87. Telegram From the Mission at the United Nations to the Department of State¹

New York, August 14, 1959—8 p.m.

202. Re Czech item on rotation GA presidency.²

1. Recommend Dept consider voting against inscription Czech item on rotation GA presidency.

2. Prompt reaction against inscription Czech item would be early and excellent way to show our opposition to Nosek candidacy for 15th session and help put brakes on candidacy before it gets out of hand and before Cordier can give it too much help (see USUN 194³).

3. If item goes on agenda we may find ourselves unable to defeat general res along lines adopted in 1957 re general comite, which bound to react in Nosek’s favor and which would mean Soviets be able to choose pres every 5 years. Even if we could defeat res, effort would probably be as great as effort to defeat inscription. Defeat of inscription could, on other hand, provide added advantage against Nosek candidacy because it will demonstrate unusually firm US attitude from start.

4. Number arguments available against inscription would include: (1) Item obviously directly connected Czech candidacy 15th GA and is therefore not appropriate question for GA to discuss; (2) There is no charter requirement rotation Presidency as Czech memo alleges; (3) Election President is by secret ballot without nominations pursuant early GA decision and on basis individual qualifications.

5. Also some advantage in taking firm stand on some East-West issues during Khrushchev visit. This is secondary question on which we can take strong position without causing any serious difficulties with USSR outside UN and serves give notice that USSR, because of Khrushchev’s visit, not in position run away with things.

6. If Dept decides to oppose inscription it is essential we be authorized to consult on that basis soonest or it will not be possible achieve.⁴

Barco

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 320/8–1459. Confidential.
2. Barco reported on August 13 that the Czech Delegation had submitted for inclusion on the 14th General Assembly agenda an item on the consistent application of the principle of equitable geographical representation in the election of the President of the General Assembly. (Telegram 183 from USUN; ibid., 320/8–1359)
3. See footnote 4, Document 81.
4. In telegram 176 to USUN, September 2, the Department instructed the mission to oppose inscription of the Czech item. (Department of State, Central Files, 320/8–1459)