Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, East Asia and the Pacific, Volume XII, Part 2

FE files, lot 55 D 480, “Indonesia”

No. 303
Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs (Robertson) to the Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs (Key)

secret

Washington, December 10, 1954.

Subject:

• Western New Guinea

I refer to memorandum of conversation dated December 1, 1954 on the above subject, in which Mr. Wainhouse, IO, told the Netherlands Minister that it would be possible for us, “in response to inquiries by the Latin American delegations, to let them know that we do not necessarily expect them to vote as we did, and that they were free to determine their own positions on this item.” Mr. Wainhouse also said that he would report the Netherlands Minister’s representations “for consideration” as to what, if any, steps the U.S. could take to meet the wishes of the Netherlands Government in this matter.” (Tab A)¹

I also refer to memorandum of conversation dated December 6, 1954 also on this subject, in which the Netherlands Minister thanked Mr. Wainhouse “for the action taken” and said that “he thought this procedure had already had fruitful results.” (Tab B)²

I am concerned by the implication which these memoranda of conversation seem to carry that we are indicating some preference for the way other delegations may vote on the Indian resolution on Western New Guinea or on a possible ruling regarding a two-thirds or majority vote. I believe the Secretary has enunciated clearly that we should refrain from lobbying. If you believe there is any need for an additional instruction to our UN Delegation to assure that we do not at this late date depart from our position on Western New Guinea, I request that you initiate the necessary draft.³

1. Not printed. (656.56D13/12–154)
2. Not printed.

3. In a memorandum of Dec. 13, Key responded that Robertson’s memorandum had reached him too late on Dec. 10 to warrant further action, since the General Assembly had already voted on the Western New Guinea question. Key indicated that he felt neither his nor Wainhouse’s actions constituted any departure from the approved U.S. position of neutrality on the question. (FE files, lot 55 D 480, “Indonesia”)

   In the evening of Dec. 10, at its 509th plenary meeting, the General Assembly voted on the eight-power resolution (see Document 300). Van Kleffens, presiding, put to the Assembly the view expressed by several delegations in debate that this was an important question requiring approval by a two-thirds majority. It was so decided without debate. The preamble and operative paragraphs were then voted on separately with each part receiving a simple but not a required two-thirds majority vote of approval. The resolution as a whole was thus not put to a vote. The United States abstained in each vote. For the record of the meeting, see U.N. document A/PV.509.