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

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

New York, January 18, 1972, 2216Z.

186. Subj: PRC’s Interest in Senior Secretariat Post.

1. During talk with me Jan 14, SYG, among other things, told me he had recently discussed PRC position in Secretariat with Huang Hua.

2. When Huang Hua recently called on Waldheim to discuss Chinese interest in a top Secretariat position, he asked SYG what suggestions he had concerning an appropriate position. SYG proposed the Djermakoye job (Under SYG for Trusteeship and Non-Self-Governing Territories). Waldheim said that Huang Hua listened politely but then made clear this would be unacceptable. The PRC, Huang Hua said, was interested in a senior political position. First he mentioned the Under SYG for Political and Security Affairs (occupied by Kutakovy). When Waldheim pointed out the impossibility of dislodging the Soviet incumbent, Huang Hua suggested the position of Chef de Cabinet as an alternative.

3. Huang Hua felt that the Indians were too strongly entrenched in the Secretariat and that Narasimhan should be replaced.

4. Waldheim made no commitments but told him that he would take into account the Chinese desire for a top level political position.

Phillips

1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 303, Agency Files, USUN, Vol. X. Secret; Exdis.