300. Editorial Note
On August 27, 1986, M. Peter McPherson, the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, wrote to Secretary of State Shultz regarding the U.S. contribution to the UN Fund for Population Assistance (UNFPA). McPherson stated: “Earlier this year, UNFPA told us that they thought China could be persuaded to have the UNFPA program in China changed to be only health activities. This looked like a good way to get out of the problem, and the President approved A.I.D.’s providing assistance to UNFPA if that could be worked out.” McPherson continued that the Chinese rejected UNFPA’s offer to change the program to health: “Without a change in what UNFPA does in China, I do not feel that A.I.D. can make a contribution to UNFPA in 1986. We will try again next fiscal year to negotiate changes which would enable us to resume support for UNFPA.” (Department of State, Program Files, 1973–1988, Lot 91D356, 1985–87—Welcome Home: Pop Matters)
Subsequent reviews of the UNFPA’s China program did not lead to a change in policy. In a March 31, 1988, memorandum to Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs-Designate Frederick Bernthal, Nancy Ostrander, Coordinator for Population Affairs of that bureau, wrote: “The UNFPA’s China program and the PRC program are reviewed each year by AID to see whether significant changes have occurred that would permit the U.S. to contribute to the Fund up to now.” She further stated: “If AID administrator Alan Woods opts against UNFPA once again (as he probably will), the set-aside amount is expected to be used for other family programs.” (Department of State, Country Files, Miscellaneous Population Files, 1974–1992, Lot 93D393, Pre-1988 UNFPA Keep for Reference)