88. Telegram From the Department of State to the Mission at the United Nations1
127. Re Charter Review. In Dept’s view no useful purpose served by including in report of Committee on Arrangements excerpts from 1958 Eisenhower–Bulganin exchange of letters (urtel 2072). Dept sees no basis for interpreting Bulganin letters as indicative change in Soviet position of consistent and firm opposition to Charter review. Moreover USSR subsequent to Bulganin letters again insisted in connection discussion enlargement items at 13th GA that any amendment Charter dependent seating Chinese Communists in UN. Mission should therefore endeavor persuade Matsch drop his idea.
Re consultations UK Del: While we continue favor holding review conference when circumstances appear favorable to fruitful outcome such review, circumstances now appear to us no more auspicious than in 1955 and 1957. Moreover, prospects for successful conference have been decreased by USSR’s introduction of Chinese representation issue into question Charter amendment. However, as in past, we would be guided by views of others on this matter and would favor setting date review conference should this clearly prove be wish substantial majority UN membership. In absence such desire we would favor continuance of Committee on Arrangements with request from GA that it report again no later than 16th session.
Mission should inform UKDel that above is line US proposes take in connection with forthcoming meeting of Committee on Arrangements, subject our consultations with them and other friendly delegations. Mission should point out that so far as we aware no member government now advocating early review conference and only interest in early conference observed recently is among those advocating drastic revision of Charter to provide some degree supernational authority. However, this interest such that from public relations standpoint, if no other, continuation of Committee on Arrangements appears desirable. We see no reason for lengthy meeting unless widespread sentiment for early review conference develops and hope Committee will complete its work expeditiously and without substantive discussion, which not within its terms of reference. Mission should seek British concurrence our view handling Chinese representation question, if it arises, either on basis that moratorium resolution approved 13th GA applies committee [Page 173] since it continues apply GA or that Committee of Whole as subsidiary body of GA is not competent discuss any proposal alter representation.
Suggestion 1957 slate of officers be carried over (Afghanistan, chairman; Ecuador, vice-chairman, and Austria, rapporteur) leaves something be desired from standpoint ability and position on moratorium formula of proposed chairman. Dept would therefore not wish be bound accept this arrangement if more acceptable candidacy put forward. Dept not, however, prepared make issue this matter unless it appears there likely be difficulties over Chinese representation or that meeting likely become controversial.
Following discussion UKDel Mission should consult with other key friendly delegations and Secretariat to ascertain their thinking.3
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 310.1/8–1759. Official Use Only. Drafted by Hartley on August 19; initialed by Cargo; cleared by Bacon, Nunley, Green, Monsma, and Ludlow; and approved by Walmsley who signed for Herter.↩
- Telegram 207, August 17, reported a conversation with Matsch regarding a Charter Review Committee meeting scheduled for September 2. (Ibid.)↩
- Telegrams 248 from USUN, August 24, and 264 from USUN, August 26, reported on discussions on Charter Review with the British Mission. (ibid., 310.1/8–2459 and 310.1/8–2659, respectively)↩