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

127. Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State¹

New York, August 30, 1972, 2148Z.

3035. Subj: Possible SC Meeting in Panama. Ref: State 145743.²

1. In course tour of horizon with Amb Phillips Aug 29, Sir Colin Crowe (UK) confirmed rumor that floated last week in NY to effect that India had traded promise of support for SC meeting in Panama for Panama’s support (which proved determinative) in preventing further delay in SC consideration of Bangladesh UN membership application. Sir Colin had this directly from Indian Amb Sen. Sir Colin asked if he were correct in assumption US would be opposed to such venue for SC meeting.

2. Amb Phillips confirmed US distaste for meeting in Panama. He drew on guidance contained reftel, emphasizing particular concern about out of town meetings on subjects of local or regional concern when such meetings might tend to increase rather than decrease tensions.

3. Sir Colin’s report provides clear evidence Panamanians still actively pursuing idea of SC meeting in Panama, clearly with view to pressing issue of US presence in Canal Zone. We must also assume that meeting-in-Panama has become goal of Govt of Panama and not merely hobby-horse of Panamanian PermRep Boyd. We understand that special Pakistan Ambassador who saw Panamanian FonMin afternoon of Aug 24 believed he had persuaded FonMin to vote for delay on Bangladesh issue following day. Yet Boyd told USUN source his Fon-Min had reaffirmed instructions to vote against delay early Aug 25.

Phillips

1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 303, Agency Files, USUN, Vol. X. Confidential; Exdis. Repeated to London, New Delhi, and Panama City.
2. Document 126.