415. Telegram 3859 From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State1 2
New York, October 26, 1971, 2230Z.
Dept pass DOD for Office Ocean Affairs.
Subj:
- LOS Spanish Position on Straits
- 1.
- During recent meetings of Seabed Commttee to approve the report of main committee for the March and July/August sessions, Spain continued to take a very inflexible approach in opposition to US views on straits. This was visibly demonstrated on the first day when they were successful in having language in the draft report changed from “question of supplementing and clarifying existing rules on the right of transit through and over international straits” to the “question of international straits”.
- 2.
- Spanish Del had done its homework well and produced a well structured show of support. Altogether some thirteen Dels spoke out in support of Spanish position. Primary argument was that original language was prejudicial and should be changed to more neutral language. In spirit of accommodation and also against overwhelming odds US eventually went along with Spanish proposal. Privately US made it clear to Spanish and many other Dels that we noted very carefully the Spanish plea for neutral language [Page 2] on Straits and that when it came time to agree on the list of issues we would expect the same degree of neutrality on the part of Spain regarding Straits.
- 3.
- Following is list of countries who spoke in support of Spanish proposal: Morocco, Sweden, Brazil, Denmark, Malaysia, Algeria, Yugoslavia, Pakistan, Greece, Iran, Ethiopia, Ecuador and Mauritania. Exempt.
Bush
- Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970-73, POL 33-8. Limited Official Use. Repeated to Madrid and Defense. Sent with a request to pass to the Office of Ocean Affairs in the Department of Defense.↩
- U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Bush reported continued Spanish opposition to the U.S. position on international straits.↩