308. Telegram From the Mission in Geneva to the Department of State 1
930. Deptel 1305.2 Schnyder welcomed US interest in question of Deputy, had intended even before our intervention to discuss matter with US authorities before taking any actual steps. He expects be in Washington soon after middle of March to consult on this and other matters with Dept officials concerned.
Schnyder said he has tried to conceive of structure of his office in terms of present and future activities, which are rather different from those undertaken to meet “classic” European refugee problems. He cited Algerian refugees as type of situation that seems likely command more of UNHCR’s attention than situation which 1951 Convention was designed to meet.3 His preliminary thinking therefore was that Afro-Asians should have stronger representation on staff. One approach might be to appoint Afro-Asian as consultant and see how he worked out (implying that if successful he would become Deputy).
Schnyder asked if we had any individual in mind. We said we did not know. He said and repeated twice that he would be very interested in Dept’s reaction to his ideas, which he stressed were “preliminary.”
In view of lack of urgency with which Schnyder considering problem and prospect of his visiting Dept in March, we refrained from putting forward counter-arguments during this interview. Would appreciate guidance for further talks. Our impression was that in spite of Schnyder’s rationale for Afro-Asian candidate he would be disposed to make his final decision on basis of ability of individual candidate rather than his nationality.
Although not touched on in this conversation, it is obvious that Schnyder is well aware of personnel problems facing any new administration [Page 673] and concomitant political pressure for finding positions. This awareness may well be contributive to Schnyder’s preference for going slowly. In any event, I suggest we seek between now and time of Schnyder’s Washington visit outstanding candidate with background, experience, and other qualifications which will be impressive to Schnyder.
- Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1960–63, 324.8411/2–2161. Official Use Only.↩
- In telegram 1305 to Geneva, February 15, the Department suggested that the Mission should discuss with Schnyder whether he agreed that the next Deputy UNHCR should be an American. (Ibid., 324.8411/2–1561)↩
- Reference is to the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees of July 28, 1951. (189 UNTS 150)↩