Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume V, United Nations, 1969–1972

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

New York, September 15, 1971, 1600Z.

2669. Subj: UNDP—Future of Narasimhan. Ref: USUN 2573.²

1. Kittani (protect) advised MISOFF that SG told him Narasimhan may not devote full time to UNDP commencing January. There is strong possibility he may be asked to remain on 38th floor until end of 1972 in order permit new SYG have benefit continuity.

2. Kittani said this indication had startled senior officials who attributed SYG’s view to “static” in UNDP and rumors that Narasimhan not as wholely acceptable UNDP Administrator-designate as he himself had been confidentially reporting.

3. Kittani also indicated that significant voices insisting that no great powers should be members immediate cabinet new SYG. Alternatively it is being suggested that great powers be given responsibility for operation of “major departments,” e.g. administration and management, economic and social affairs, etc., on theory that SYG no longer requires representatives these governments to have available continuing advice and/or counsel in re their positions.

4. FYI. If this development is correct USUN sees considerable credibility in earlier rumors that Kittani very respectable and formidable possibility for either post Deputy Administrator UNDP or Executive Secretary of UNIDO.

Bush

1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 301, Agency Files, USUN, Vol. VII. Confidential; Exdis.
2. Document 259.