Office of the Historian

845A.411/11–2453: Telegram

The United States Representative at the United Nations (Lodge) to the Department of State

New York, November 24, 1953—3:57 p.m.

Delga 313.

Race conflict in South Africa

Delegates of Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burma, Egypt, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Liberia, Pakistan, Philippines, Syria, Saudi Arabia and Yemen this morning introduced following draft resolution in ad hoc committee on race conflict item:1

Verbatim text. The General Assembly

Having considered the report of the United Nations Commission on the racial situation in the Union of South Africa established under Resolution 616 (VII) (Doc. A/2505),

Noting with concern that the commission in its study of the racial policies of the Government of the Union of South Africa, has concluded that these policies and their consequences are contrary to the charter and the universal declaration of human rights,

Noting that the commission has also concluded that:

(a)
“It is highly unlikely and indeed improbable that the policy of apartheid will ever be willingly accepted by the masses subjected to discrimination,” and
(b)
That the continuance of this policy would make peaceful solutions increasingly difficult and endanger friendly relations among nations.

Further noting that the commission considers it desirable that the United Nations should request the Government of South Africa to reconsider the components of its policy towards various ethnic groups,

Considering that in the Commission’s own opinion, the time available was too short for a thorough study of all the aspects of the problem assigned to it,

Considering also the commission’s view that one of the difficulties encountered by it was the lack of co-operation from the Government of the Union of South Africa and in particular its refusal to permit the commission to enter its territory,

1.
Expresses appreciation of the work of the commission,
2.
Requests the commission to continue its study of the development of the racial situation in the Union of South Africa,
(a)
With reference to the various implications of that situation on the populations affected,
(b)
In relation to the provisions of the charter and in particular to Article 14, and
(c)
To suggest measures which would help to alleviate the situation and promote a peaceful settlement;
3.
Invites the Governments of the Union of South Africa to extend its full co-operation to the commission,
4.
Requests the commission to report to the ninth regular session of the General Assembly.

Lodge
  1. UN document A/AC.72/L.14.↩