209. Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State 1

4078. Statements by SYG UN to Advisory Comite on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ).

U Thant made fol statements to ACABQ in closed mtg today.

1.
At next GA he intends propose increase in working capital fund to $40–$45 million.
2.
UN will have explore new sources of revenue to help finance peace-keeping operations. (However, Turner and Vaughn/UN informed ACABQ they saw no prospects increasing UN income substantially from sources other than governmental contributions. By substantially they meant in excess of $1 million.)
3.
He informed by number of govts they withholding decision purchase UN bonds until after affirmative opinion of ICJ.
4.
He intends review ONUC financial situation and future of ONUC operation with Congo Advisory Comite in July and decide then what recommendations make to SC re future of ONUC operation. He believes cost of ONUC operation can be substantially reduced in second half 1962.
5.
He has made clear to all parties interested in Ruanda-Urundi, including sponsors of Afro-Asian res, that any UN mil personnel going to R–U would have their activities limited to advice, instruction, and observation. Accordingly, he anticipated that UN expenses in connection with R–U would not be sizeable.
6.
In response to question of Sokirkin (USSR), he stated he had no present intention submitting report to 17th GA on recommendations of Comite of 8 (Comite of Experts on review of activities and organization of Secretariat).
7.
Said UN will not incur any cost in connection with controversy between Indonesia and Netherlands re New Guinea since two govts concerned had indicated they would share all costs.
Plimpton
  1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1960–63, 321.5/6–2162. Limited Official Use.