Immediately after he presented his credentials today as the new representative of the United States to the United Nations, Daniel P. Moynihan said that the United States will take “a vigorous posture” at the UN, warned of grave consequences to the UN in case Israel is expelled and indicated that the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) will remain in the Sinal.
Speaking at a press conference here, Moynihan said that if the expulsion of Israel “really happened” it will be a “blow to this place (the UN)” and warned that the commitment of President Ford to the UN “will be under strong challenge by Congress.” He cited the action by Congress in withholding support from UNESCO after its anti-Israel resolutions. Moynihan said, however, that the U.S. will not withdraw its membership from the UN if Israel is expelled, but the U.S. role in the UN would change.
Elaborating, Moynihan said that the U.S. hoped that occasion will not arise. He noted that the League of Nations “came apart piece by piece.” Moynihan observed that the General Assembly is a representative organization and it can only function in that model. “You cannot run the General Assembly without accepting the procedure of representation,” he said. He explained that a state cannot be excluded because it is not liked by others, just as a Congressman who is not liked by his peers cannot be expelled. Moynihan also pointed out that the Assembly cannot make “binding decisions,” only recommendations to governments.
Moynihan further argued that there is nothing more important to the interest of nations involved in a conflict than that all sides be represented at the UN and be aware of the other side’s opinion.
U.S. EXPLORING PROPER UNEF ROLE
Asked about Egypt’s threat not to renew the mandate of UNEF, Moynihan said that no one has asked for the withdrawal of UNEF. He disclosed that he met with Secretary General Kurt Waldheim last night at the instruction of Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger, and said that the U.S. is exploring with Egypt to find out what the proper UN role should be in the Sinai. He said that he does not want “to suggest that UNEF will not be there” after July 24. He did not elaborate, saying only, “this is a very serious question.”
Moynihan, stating that the U.S. will certainly take “a vigorous posture” at the UN, quoted Ford who said that the U.S. will be looking for a dialogue of “candor and directness, understanding and respect.”
DORON CONFERS WITH WALDHEIM
This afternoon Jacob Doron, acting permanent representative of Israel to the UN, met with Waldheim to reportedly discuss the situation in the Sinal in light of Egypt’s stand, Last night, Doron submitted to Alberto Cavaglieri, Security Council president, a letter from the Israel government which reaffirmed that “Israel will pursue the discussions–with the help of the good offices of the United States–for the achievement of an interim agreement with Egypt.”
The letter also stated that Israel “is observing its commitments under the disengagement of forces agreement with Egypt on a basis of reciprocity. If Egypt is interested in not harming the agreement, it will also have to honor the maintenance and authority of the UNEF, which constitutes an integral part of the disengagement agreement.”
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