112. Memorandum From the Representative to the United Nations (Kirkpatrick) to Secretary of State Shultz1
I have given a good deal of thought to your U.N.G.A. speech. As you know, the speech will have a world-wide audience. No speech you make as Secretary of State is likely to receive more press attention.
The U.N. is above all an institution of and for the so-called Third World. Their perspectives dominate its agenda as thoroughly as those nations dominate the membership. Furthermore, U.N. affairs get the [Page 415] most coverage in their countries. Therefore, it is important to speak to them with sympathy and understanding. Nothing else is quite “right” for the U.N.
I have already suggested the audience will think best of a speech that is long (at least 25 minutes long), broad in focus, constructive, even optimistic in tone.
I suggest you consider a speech that is somewhat “visionary;” perhaps a kind of modified utopia that describes some aspect of the international system (economic and/or political) you intend to work toward, then perhaps consider how you get there from here, including principle obstacles and how to overcome them.
As a methodological technique, postulating and delineating “preferred futures” guarantees clarity about goals and the relevance of policies to goals. As a dramatic technique it emphasizes and accentuates the positive.
Personally, I like the 1973 Kissinger speech.2 His focus on curbing conflict, feeding the hungry and aiding development is perfect U.N. fare. I also like the idea of continuing the President’s theme of a democratic revolution as the wave of the future.
A focus on freedom would give you the opportunity to speak about both economic and politics; discussing the undoubted facts that freedom stimulates innovation, industry and economic development, political participation, loyalty and stability; that is, higher standards of living, higher levels of citizenship, a higher quality of life.
I agree with Paul, it is important above all that the speech express you: views, visions and values.
I will be happy to help anyway you like—on this as on all matters. Call on me.
- Source: Department of State, Executive Secretariat, S/P Records, Memoranda and Correspondence from the Director of the Policy Planning Staff to the Secretary and Other Seventh Floor Principals: Lot 89D149, S/P Chrons PW Chrons to Secy JUL 1982. Confidential.↩
- See footnote 6, Document 110.↩