Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XXV, Organization of Foreign Policy; Information Policy; United Nations; Scientific Matters

287. Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State¹

New York, December 11, 1963, 1:50 p.m.

2446. Opening Date 19th GA. Ourtel 2349.²

SYG told Yost yesterday that, following Stevenson approach reported reftel, he had decided to assist in delaying opening 19th GA until after US elections.

He said he had asked his administrative staff to prepare report for circulation end this month to effect that UN building reconstruction probably will not be completed before sometime in Oct. On basis this report SYG would circularize UN members and propose postponing opening GA until second week Nov.

SYG added blandly he had already talked this matter over informally with Sovs, pointing out disadvantages to all concerned of involving Article 19 question in US elections. According SYG, Sovs had agreed informally that delay in opening GA would be advisable, though of course their formal reaction would only come in response to SYG’s proposed circular.

Plimpton

1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, IO/UNP Files: Lot 71 D 504, UNGA Position Papers, 1953–1967, Timing of GA Session. Confidential; Limited Distribution.
2. In telegram 2349 from USUN, December 4, Stevenson reported that he discussed postponing the opening date of the 19th General Assembly session until after the U.S. Presidential elections with Secretary-General Thant. Thant was described as “receptive but not enthusiastic,” and willing to consider using the remodelling of the conference chambers at the UN Headquarters as a pretext if the United States felt strongly about the issue. (Ibid.)