320/9–2850: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in India 1
466. US regards approval by GA of substance US proposals for United Action for Peace as highly important and particularly hopes for India’s support. In view fact UK regards India’s attitude as crucial in determining degree its support and in view some indications GOI becoming more favorably disposed toward proposals, suggest you discuss matter again with Bajpai, stressing fol points:
- 1)
- US is equally concerned that no action be taken in UN which wld provoke Sov withdrawal or provide them with valid or plausible [Page 357] pretext to withdraw. We convinced Sov attitude toward participation UN wholly realistic one; that they will remain so long as they believe it their interest do so and any decision withdraw wld be based on fundamental strategic and polit considerations unaffected by any proposals for GA resolutions. Sov failure walkout last year despite provocation Yugo election SC, their “walk back” notwithstanding presence Chi nationalists and their continued participation despite UN decisions on Korea tend strengthen this view and our belief they not now contemplate any permanent withdrawal.
- 2)
- US convinced proposals fit squarely within letter and spirit of Charter and wld thus not even provide plausible pretext Sov withdrawal. In our view Charter was conceived in broad terms as framework to be filled in by precedents and practice and we regard UN machinery created by it as flexible and capable of adaptation to changing realities without altering Charter.
- 3)
- US continues regard SC as primary organ charged with maintenance peace but any realistic view present situation must recognize possibility SC will be unable act because of veto and that GA may be required play greater role in future. Thus desirable explore more fully resources GA and improve its machinery. However, proposal does not increase GA powers any respect nor seek supplant SC by GA nor increase obligations of members take any particular action in any particular case. Suggested improvement in procedures does not operate automatically. Net result of Part A of proposal is merely amendment rules procedure but is presented in the dramatic fashion US believes psychologically desirable in order counter frustration we have already noticed among many UN members with Sov return to SC.
- 4)
- Moreover, proposal can have significant deterrent effect, both as further evidence determination UN to gird its loins to be able act promptly in event future aggression if SC stymied and in providing for observation and reporting from areas of serious tension.
US intends seek co-sponsorship these proposals by several rep Members who agree with their substance and philosophy, but we are not prepared alter substance to obtain co-sponsors. In view GOI reaction, Dept leaves your discretion whether raise possibility GOI co-sponsorship.
- Repeated to USUN New York (342).↩