435. Telegram From the Department of State to the Mission to the United Nations1
343528.
Washington, November 8, 1985, 0039Z
SUBJECT
- Instructions on Western Sahara Debate at UNGA.
Ref:
- 1.
- C—Entire text.
- 2.
- Moroccan Resolution. Mission is authorized to vote for Moroccan resolution as introduced and to support Moroccan parliamentary efforts to achieve an up or down vote on the Moroccan resolution (preferably avoiding speeches on parliamentary maneuvers).
- 3.
- Algerian Resolution. Mission should abstain on this resolution as
presently worded. We assume that Algerian resolution will be voted
on prior to the Moroccan resolution. Mission should give explanation
of vote closely paralleling last year’s statement (ref C) and
drawing on following points:
- —
- U.S. has consistently supported efforts to solve the Saharan conflict through peaceful negotiations.
- —
- Thus, USG has urged a consensus resolution which could be supported by both Algeria and Morocco.
- —
- Standard which determines U.S. position on resolutions now under debate is whether a resolution contributes to solution.
- —
- Abstention on the GOA resolution reflects USG assessment that call for direct GOM-Polisario negotiations does not contribute to a settlement.
- —
- USG continues to support position that a settlement ultimately must reflect views of inhabitants. Last year, USG supported concept that UNSYG arrange for a referendum under appropriate international auspices. This would be consistent with USG support for 1981 OAU resolution.
- —
- International community should have an opportunity to vote for a resolution which supports the concept of a ceasefire, international observers and a referendum under UN auspices, in consultation with the OAU.5
Shultz
- Source: Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, D840801–0699. Confidential; Immediate. Drafted by Merrick; cleared by Keith Wauchope (AF/W), Zweifel, Susan Biniaz (L/NEA), Raphel, Gilbert Kulick (IO/UNDP), Lynda Clarizio (L/AF), and Milton Kovner (IO); approved by Armacost. Sent for information Immediate to Rabat and Algiers. Sent for information Priority to Nouakchott, Dakar, Tunis, and Addis Ababa.↩
- Reference is in error. Telegram 3032 from USUN, October 31, contains the text of UN draft resolution 39/40, which “reaffirms all relevant resolutions adopted by “the OAU and UN “on the question of Western Sahara and calls upon the current Chairman of the OAU and the Secretary-General of the UN to continue their efforts in finding a just and durable solution to this matter.” The Mission also noted the draft “was pushed through the African group despite the fact that it is not acceptable to Morocco (which refused to participate in the vote on 39/40).” (Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, D850779–0042)↩
- In telegram 3121 from USUN, November 6, the Mission reported that Haddaoui informed a mission officer that the Moroccans “have decided to attempt to invoke rule of General Assembly Procedure 116 in the Fourth Committee vote November 8 on their Western Sahara Resolution. Rule 116 permits cloture on debate in a committee after a representative has moved for an adjournment of debate.” The Mission continued: “The Moroccans evidently think that, if successful, this procedure will permit them to have a better chance of having their resolution emerge unamended by the Algerians and thus subject to a straight up-or-down vote.” (Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, D850794–0987)↩
- Telegram 3538 from USUN, December 4, 1984, contains the text of a statement delivered by Feldman that indicated the U.S. delegation would abstain on a resolution introduced by Algeria in the General Assembly that called for direct negotiations between Morocco and the Polisario. (Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, D840776–0148)↩
- In telegram 3300 from USUN, November 14, the Mission reported: “Algeria’s resolution calling for direct negotiations between Morocco and the Polisario passed 91–6–43 (US). After Morocco’s failed attempt to block Algerian amendments to its own resolution, Morocco withdrew its resolution. Morocco’s FonMin Filali said Morocco would no longer participate in any meeting or debate in the UNGA, Fourth Committee or Committee of 24 in which Western Sahara was discussed.” (Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, D850814–0055) However, in telegram 3802 from USUN, December 13, the Mission reported that Haddaoui advised the United States “to take with ‘a very large grain of salt’ Foreign Minister Filali’s statement.” (Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, D850892–0728)↩