845A.411/10–2154: Telegram
The United States Representative at the United Nations (Lodge) to the Department of State
Delga 131. Re treatment of Indians.1
Following resolution tabled at this afternoon’s ad hoc political committee [Page 1043] meeting by Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Haiti and Honduras:2
Begin verbatim text. The General Assembly,
Recalling that it has considered the question of the treatment of people of Indian origin in the Union of South Africa during session after session;
Having noted the report of the United Nations good offices commission (A/2723);
- 1.
- Suggests to the governments of India, Pakistan and the Union of South Africa that they should seek a solution of the question by direct negotiations or other peaceful means;
- 2.
- Suggests, moreover, that the parties concerned should select a government, agency or person for the purpose of assisting them to reconcile their views and to settle the dispute;
- 3.
- Decides that, if within the next six months the parties have not reached agreement on the suggestions made in the foregoing paragraphs, the Secretary General shall appoint a person for the purposes specified above.
- 4.
- Requests the Secretary General to report to the General Assembly at its next regular session on the results obtained. End verbatim text.
While Ecuadoran delegate was making opening statement on behalf of sponsors, he announced that he had just been informed that India will bring forth own resolution. He also mentioned that India was aware, of draft being put together by sponsors. Our impression is that Latin American sponsors led to believe that India favorably disposed to their draft. In subsequent intervention by Menon,3 he appeared back-track somewhat by saying that his government would give LA draft resolution full consideration. Pakistan representative subsequently, by brief intervention, confirmed fact another resolution being worked on and in formative stage.
Would appreciate early expression of Department’s views on above resolution.