357.AD/9–1350: Telegram
The United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin) to the Secretary of State
priority
[Received September 13—5:50 p. m.]
523. Cordier has given USUN in strictest confidence copy of following cable from Katzin to SYG, dated September 8, raising question regarding the role of UNCOK in investigating evidence of external assistance to North Korean forces. Cordier hopes to discuss with us in a few days the policy questions raised therein. We would appreciate Department’s comments soonest.
“Recently the Commission agreed to include among the functions of military observers matters relating to external assistance to North Koreans, from whatsoever source or of any kind. As this is outside its terms of reference, commission in doubt without specific instructions from GA or SC whether it is competent report generally on this subject although they proceeded immediately request commander-in-chief UN forces furnish them with information upon which to reply to SYG’s request in specific case queried. Delegates consider in absence of over-all request from SC or GA they would require to receive specific instructions from their governments in order regularize their position. At request of meeting this morning, have undertaken convey above to you. Above agreed chairman.”
Specific SYG query mentioned above refers to SYG’s request for any information UNCOK might have re Soviet plane incident. Copies of cables from Katzin on this and other matters, also given us in confidence by Cordier, follow by despatch.1
- Not printed.↩