348. Telegram 195162 From the Department of State to the Mission to the United Nations1 2
Washington, October 26, 1972,
2317Z.
Subj:
- Non-use of Force (NUF)
- 1.
- In discussing with other delegations the Sov draft res on non-use of force and permanent
prohibition of the use of nuclear weapons, USDel should be guided by
the following:
- (A)
- USDel should adopt a relatively inactive stance. We do not support the res as it is. USDel should not encourage or promote amendments at this time because the Sov initiative may fail to attract much support or even interest.
- (B)
- USDel should privately and quietly point out to other delegations the problems we see in the Sov draft, especially the role contemplated for the SC, and in the doubtful utility of trying to refine Charter language. Re latter, Sov res apparently attempts in second operative para to make something binding which is already binding under the Charter.
- (C)
- USDel should tell other dels that USG could not support the res in its present form. USDel should not propose amendments, but if the Sovs or others propose amendments to us USDel should say that we would consider them. USDel should say we could not give any undertaking to press such amendments with others.
- (D)
- USDel should keep in constant and close touch with our allies regarding the res.
- 2.
- USDel is requested to keep Dept promptly informed of any moves by others to amend or otherwise alter Sov text. Depending upon developments, we will consider whether to move from relatively inactive opposition to acceptance of a suitably amended resolution.
- Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–1973, DEF 18–6. Confidential. It was repeated to London, Moscow, Paris, Tokyo, and USNATO. Drafted by McIntyre (IO/UNP); and cleared in IO, L, EUR/RPM, INR, UNP, L/UNA, ACDA, and EUR/SOV.↩
- The telegram provided guidance to U.S. delegation at the UN on the ways to respond to the Soviet proposed UN resolution on non-use of force and the prohibition of the use of nuclear weapons.↩