Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XXI, Africa

399. Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State⁰

New York, February 19, 1963, noon.

3069. Subj: Southwest Africa.

1. We spoke to UKDel along lines Deptel 2123¹ Feb 18. Campbell (UK) said question already raised in London. He understood UK and US Embs in Capetown would be in consultation on what would be best approach to South Africans and gave impression joint or parallel action depended upon this discussion. (UK apparently anxious initial consideration be in Capetown.)

2. We told Campbell we also intended raise problem with SYG this week in order to ascertain SYG’s plans re establishing UN presence in SWA in accordance with GA Res. Campbell said he would appreciate report from US on this discussion. (Important that whatever steps we take re UN presence be in accord with SYG’s plans.) So far we know of nothing other than appointment of technical assistance rep but it may be he has other ideas in mind.

3. Besides general approaches to South Africa re problem they face with ICJ opinion and on UN presence, Campbell expressed desire for further US-UK talks here on UN tactical issues we likely to face (including presumably both apartheid problem in South Africa, on which UKDel has already expressed concern, and SWA issue).

Plimpton

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 19 SW AFR/UN. Confidential. Repeated to London and Cape Town.
1. Telegram 2123, February 11, instructed USUN to undertake, in concert with the United Kingdom, a sustained effort to convince the South African Government that its own interests, as well as those of the Free World, required it to seek a political accommodation with the world community regarding the Mandated Territory of South West Africa—ideally before the International Court of Justice rendered its decision in late 1963 or early 1964. (Ibid.)