501.AC/3–1248
The Secretary of State to the United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin)
No. 64
The Secretary of State acknowledges the receipt of the despatch of March 12, 1948 from the United States Representative to the United Nations, transmitting a copy of a note from the Secretary General of the United Nations, dated March 4, 1948, concerning the proposed accession by the United States to the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations.
The Secretary of State suggests that, if the United States Representative perceives no objection, a reply be made to the Secretary-General along the following or similar lines:
“I appreciate receiving your letter of March 4, 1948 concerning the proposed accession by the United States to the Convention on the [Page 50] Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations. As you point out, a joint resolution to authorize the President of the United States to accede to the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations was introduced in the 1947 session of Congress. This resolution was approved by the Senate during that session of Congress and is now pending in the House of Representatives.
“With respect to the question raised by you concerning reservations to the Convention being considered by the United States, I assure you that careful consideration is being given to the effect of these reservations with relation to the United Nations as well as the need for them.
“In view of the considerable number of pressing matters now pending in the Congress, final action on the resolution authorizing the approval of the Convention has been delayed. Every effort consistent with the various other obligations of this Government will be made to secure final action on the resolution by the Congress during the present session.”