38. Telegram From the Department of State to the Mission to the United Nations1
87649. Subject: Falkland Islands Dispute in the Security Council.
1. (C–Entire Text)
2. US should vote for the resolution which the British have informed us they will introduce in the Security Council calling on all parties to refrain from the use of force in the Falkland Islands dispute and to [Page 69] seek settlement of the matter through peaceful negotiations.2 US representatives should make a brief statement during the debate in the Council in support of the principles in the UK resolution, emphasizing the need for peaceful, negotiated settlement. The US statement should not comment in any way on the question of sovereignty over the Falkland Islands. The Secretary has been in touch with Lord Carrington to assure him of our strong support for the UK position. If UK proposes approval by the Council of a statement by the President of the Council instead of a resolution, US should likewise support.
- Source: Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, D820173–1064. Confidential; Niact Immediate. Sent for information Immediate to all UN Security Council capitals and Buenos Aires. Drafted by P.C. Wilcox (IO); cleared by Pendleton, Service, Platt, Holmes, Bosworth, and in S/S–O; and approved by Stoessel.↩
- In telegram 808 from USUN, sent at 0104Z, April 2, the Mission informed the Department that a special emergency session of the Security Council would be held the evening of April 1 “at urgent request of the UK.” At the session, the Mission continued, “UK seeks a statement by the President of the Security Council which is non-judgmental, balanced and emphasizes restraint by both parties, non-use of force and settlement by peaceful means. UK statement to the Council will point to the imminent danger of armed invasion of the Falklands and the deterrent effect which prompt Council action might have on GOA.” (Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, D820173–1097)↩