Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XXXIV, Energy Diplomacy and Global Issues

324. Telegram From the Embassy in the United Kingdom to the Department of State ¹

London, February 18, 1965, 4 p.m.

3999. Embtel 3370 rptd USUN 244.² Human Rights Conference. Pridham (head UN Social and Econ Dept FonOff) told EmbOff yesterday Caradon had been given permission lobby and vote on HR Conference as he saw fit. This despite continued misgivings MinState Thomson and others FonOff who still adhere personally to position set forth reftel.³ Pridham indicated change in Caradon instructions essentially for “Commonwealth reasons,” although admitted Jamaicans had put no pressure on FonOff in London. He also hinted at bureaucratic problem inducing high powered ministerial representative to adhere to party line in this case where he holds strong contrary views. Pridham admitted new Caradon instructions might well result in over-balancing opinion in wrong direction on HR Conference which he assumes will come to comite vote end this month.

Bruce

1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Records of the Department of State, Central Files, 1964–66, SOC 14. Confidential. Repeated to USUN.
2. Dated January 20. (Ibid.)
3. See Document 322.