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

45. Memorandum From Secretary of State Rusk to the Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs (Cleveland)¹

Washington, October 29, 1961.

SUBJECT

• Delegation to International Conferences

I believe that our delegations to international conferences and meetings can be reduced in size and thereby be made more efficient and less costly. The critical test should be the minimum number and roles of persons required to accomplish the particular U.S. objective at the conference or meeting. Our delegations should be looked upon as negotiating delegations, not as policy makers. It is not necessary for every agency, or every portion of the Department, which has or claims an interest in the subject matter, to have representatives on delegations.

I have myself initiated the same policy with respect to my own visits abroad. In requesting you to give rigorous scrutiny to the makeup of U.S. delegations, I am also assuring you of my full support, especially during the period when people will have to adjust themselves to the requirements of this policy.

Dean Rusk²

1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Rusk Files: Lot 72 D 192, Chron File, October 1961. No classification marking. Drafted by Rusk.
2. Printed from a copy that bears this typed signature.