Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume V, United Nations, 1969–1972

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

New York, January 12, 1972, 0004Z.

104. Subj: SC Meeting in Africa.

1. SC met Jan 11 to discuss possible meeting in Africa. At outset of meeting Farah read what he said was majority consensus resulting from his consultations. Consensus was along lines of USUN’s 85 (NOTAL).²

2. In general SC members agreed in principle to hold meeting in Africa and agreed that sub-comite of Council should be established. In summing up discussions SC Pres Farah announced general consensus that SC accedes in principle to request of OAU to hold SC meeting in Africa. Second, it was agreed that period for meeting would be between Jan 20 and Feb 20, 1972 and thirdly, SC agreed to have comite of whole entitled “SC committee on Council meetings away from headquarters”, which would discuss modalities of meeting in Africa primarily but would be responsible for laying down general guidelines for possible SC meetings elsewhere. Comite will conduct its business in closed sessions, will have summary records, and will consider political, legal and financial implications of trip. First meeting of comite will be Jan 12 at 10:30 at which will be also present Secretariat representatives of conference services, legal dept, political and financial depts. Comite is to have its report ready for discussion by SC Jan 17³

Bush

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, UN 3 SC. Unclassified. Repeated to Conakry, Addis Ababa, Dakar, and Lusaka.
2. See footnote 5, Document 120.
3. In telegram 6642 to USUN, January 13, the Department advised USUN to “let other friendly delegations take lead in voicing conditions or qualifications.” Addis Ababa remained the preferred venue, the meeting should precede an OAU Council meeting scheduled for February 14, and expenses must come from the existing budget. Telegrams 120 and 141 from USUN, January 13 and 14, described the first subcommittee meetings, which discussed procedural, logistical, and financial requirements of a special session. Telegram 142 from USUN, January 14, described a strategy meeting of WEO members concerning the agenda. (All in National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, UN 3 SC)