Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–14, Part 2, Documents on Arms Control and Nonproliferation, 1973–1976

142. Telegram 3239 From the Mission in Geneva to the Department of State¹

Geneva, May 6, 1975, 1233Z.

3239. From U.S. Del NPT Revcon. Subj: NPT Revcon: Opening Day.

1. Summary: Opening plenary session of NPT Revcon held afternoon May 5. With exception of statement by UN SYG Waldheim and brief remarks by IAEA DG Eklund, session was devoted to conference organizational matters. Only controversial note was Nigerian challenge of immediate approval of South African request for observer status. Conference President ruled that question be deferred for consideration by General Committee. General debate begins Tuesday, May 7. End summary.

2. Waldheim, in opening address to conference, called for full implementation of NPT’s provisions and adherence to it by countries that have not yet become parties. He noted importance of promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy with special regard to needs of developing countries, but gave particular emphasis to inter-relationship between objectives of preventing spread of nuclear weapons and curbing nuclear arms race. He said in this regard that implementation of NPT’s provisions dealing with nuclear disarmament would have most important consequences for future. Citing Security Council Resolution 255, Waldheim said that UN has played important role in providing security guarantees to non-nuclear weapon states, and indicated that Revcon would have opportunity to discuss this question further.

3. Eklund gave brief remarks on role of nuclear power in meeting worldwide energy demands, but stressed importance of research reactors as possible sources of weapons-grade nuclear materials. We understand he will make longer statement later in week.

4. As prearranged, Mrs Thorsson (Sweden) was elected President of Conference by acclamation; Ambs Clark (Nigeria), Barton (Canada), Wyzner (Poland), and Brillantes (Philippines) were chosen unanimously as Chairman of First Committee (political), Second Committee (technical), Drafting Committee, and Credentials Committee, respectively; and Amb Pastinen (Finland) was confirmed as Secretary General of Conference.

5. Conference formally adopted rules of procedure that had been finalized in Preparatory Committee meetings in February. Only amendment to rules was increase in number of Vice Presidencies (from 24 to 26) to give effect to informal understanding at Prepcom that Euratom countries, should they become parties prior to Revcon opening, would be granted two additional VPs. Western Vice Presidents are U.S. and UK (as depositary powers) and Australia, Ireland, Denmark, FRG, and the Netherlands (as members of WEO Western European and others— regional group). Mongolia was elected VP from Asian group. We were told that Garcia Robles (Mexico) had protested Mongolian designation as Asian group member, rather than as Eastern group member, but had been overruled by other members of non-aligned group.

6. There had been indications earlier in day that non-aligned would insist, contrary to “gentleman’s agreement” at Prepcom, that their group be given two additional VPs to compensate for Euratom. They did not, however, press matter in plenary. (There was speculation that “Group of 77,” which is represented by fewer delegations at Revcon than expected, was having difficulty finding additional delegations willing to serve as VPs.)

7. Conference next turned to question of observers. Noting rule of procedure that states that have neither signed nor ratified NPT may apply for observer status and be accorded that status on decision of conference, Thorsson indicated that Algeria, Cuba, Israel, and South Africa had asked to be seated as observers. Clark (Nigeria) took floor to request that conference decisions on applications for observer status be postponed until credentials of some applicants (mentioning only South Africa by name) could be examined by Credentials Committee. Thorsson stated that granting of observer status and establishing credentials of conference participants (i.e., parties and signatories) were two different matters, but, after interventions by Sudan and Zaire in support of Nigerian position, agreed to take up matter in General Committee.

8. At brief meeting of General Committee following plenary session conference agenda and work program were adopted. Clark (Nigeria) again raised question of application of South Africa and others for observer status, suggesting it would be useful if chairman sought advice of the Secretariat on the possibility of submitting the question to the Credentials Committee and asking that matter not be brought to a head too quickly. Garcia Robles noted that, since the states in question were in fact present at the conference, a decision to approve their observer status would not be required unless and until they attempted to submit documents, which is the only other right they have. He therefore thought no harm would be done in waiting two or three days before facing issue. The Rep of Zaire suggested that each application be considered separately on its own merits, and wondered whether South Africa could not simply attend conference on same basis as general public. Thorsson continued to express doubts that issue was a credentials question, but indicated that more time was needed before decision could be taken.

9. It has been rumored that Israel’s observer status may also be challenged. Egyptian DelOff told us that his del appreciates possible adverse repercussions if Israeli application not accepted. SovDel shares Egyptian view that turning away Israel would be a mistake, but thinks that other Arab dels may be more inclined to press matter.

10. We have had indications that consensus may be developing in African group not to press matter to a decision. Countries in question would simply continue to observe conference without formal decision being made to accord them observer status. South African and Israeli DelOffs both informed us they have no intention to submit documents to conference participants. If necessary, we will make arguments outlined in paras 3 and 4 of State 103269 and will further explore the procedures suggested in para 5 of that message. We would also take position that there is no need to examine credentials of observers since they are not conference participants.

Abrams

1. Summary: The mission reported on the May 5 opening plenary session of the NPT Review Conference.

   Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750158–0406. Confidential; Priority. Repeated for information to Bonn, Brussels, Canberra, The Hague, Lagos, London, Moscow, Ottawa, Pretoria, Rome, Stockholm, Tokyo, Warsaw, USUN, the Mission to the IAEA at Vienna, and the Mission to NATO. Telegram 103269 to Geneva is dated May 2. (Ibid., D750155–0422) The NPT Review Conference opened on May 5 and concluded on May 30.