Foreign Relations of the United States, 1981–1988, Volume XXXVIII, International Economic Development; International Debt; Foreign Assistance

277. Memorandum From the Under Secretary of State-Designate for Economic Affairs (Wallis) to the Acting Director of the Policy Planning Staff (Roche)¹

Washington, August 20, 1982

SUBJECT

• 8/18 Outline for UNGA Speech

My principal reaction to the outline² is that it has let the agenda be set by others, hence is too reactive.

I know that the Secretary cannot ignore the topics that have been thrust onto the front pages by mobs in the streets, much less by thoughtful academic, professional, religious, and other people. But I would like to see him set the agenda for international discussion, rather than simply react. This would mean making a strong thrust early in the talk on topics that he feels should be dominating the agenda of international discussion in general and the UN in particular. Later in the speech there would be discussions of such things as the nuclear threat, disarmament, etc.

As for the new agenda, I may be biased; but after discounting fully for that bias, I suggest that a major effort be made to put economic matters on the agenda of international discussion.

I do not mean simply matters of international trade and finance. I think that even more emphasis ought to be put on the nature of internal economies. The character of the economy of each nation has an overwhelming effect on the health, happiness, welfare, and characters of its people. Even more important, if an economy is free it makes it possible—though it certainly does not guarantee—that there will be political and social freedom. And history shows that free, democratic societies have rarely if ever gone to war against one another. (Check with a historian.) Thus, those of us charged with the primary responsibility for maintaining peaceful and constructive international relations must do our best to have a beneficial influence on domestic economic policies.

The same people who live in poverty under oppressive governments often become among the most innovative and prosperous in free societies, spreading prosperity and tolerance—even goodwill—among their fellow citizens. In a free society people cooperate productively for economic purposes even while differing in religion, politics, and tastes.

W. Allen Wallis³
Designate

1. Source: Department of State, Files of the Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, W. Allen Wallis, Chrons; Memo to the Secretary/Staff and Departmental/Other Agencies; Memos to the Files; White House Correspondence, 1987–1987, Lot 89D378: UNGA Speech 1982. No classification marking. Drafted by Wallis. Wallis forwarded the memorandum to Shultz under an undated handwritten note.
2. Not found.
3. Wallis initialed “AW” above his typed signature. He wrote below his signature: “A quick reaction. If you decide to go this way, I’ll try to help further.” Shultz spoke before the UN General Assembly on September 30. For the text of the address, see Department of State Bulletin, November 1982, pp. 1–9. The address is also printed in Foreign Relations, 1981–1988, vol. I, Foundations of Foreign Policy, Document 120.