February 26, 1974
Page 4217
U.N. AND INTELSAT
Mr. MUSKIE. Mr. President, I would like to commend the efforts of my colleague from Illinois, Senator STEVENSON, for his work in recent weeks to enhance the emergency peacekeeping and disaster relief capabilities of the U.N. through more effective communications. Senator STEVENSON has long been an eloquent spokesman for a strong, active United Nations. And he is a man who matches his eloquence with practical achievements to further his goal.
Last month, Senator STEVENSON communicated to Secretary Kissinger his strong interest in having the United States support improved U.N. access to Intelsat international communications facilities. Subsequently, at the February 4-8 meeting of the Intelsat Assembly of Parties, the U.S. delegation urged that the U.N. be given priority access to Intelsat satellite capacity during emergency peacekeeping and disaster relief efforts. The Assembly then accepted the U.S. proposal, and the Board of Governors of Intelsat will now implement this decision.
At present, the U.N. is dependent upon an outdated and relatively ineffective communications system. As a result, it is often at a great disadvantage in effectively carrying out its peacekeeping operations and in coordinating international disaster relief efforts. U.N. priority access to INTELSAT satellite capacity should help remedy this communications problem and improve the U.N.'s capabilities in building and maintaining international peace and security.
Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that a recent letter from Senator STEVENSON to Secretary of State Kissinger on INTELSAT and the U.N. be printed in the RECORD.
There being no objection, the letter was ordered to be printed in the RECORD, as follows:
U.S. SENATE,
Washington, D.C.,
January 29, 1974.
Hon. HENRY A. KISSINGER,
Secretary of State,
Department of State,
Washington, D.C.
DEAR MR. SECRETARY: I am writing to ask you to express to the U.S. INTELSAT representatives your support for United Nations access to INTELSAT international communications facilities on concessional terms.
As you may know, the United Nations is currently dependent on its own antiquated and inadequate short-wave radio system. Reliance on this limited communications system, has, in the past, put the UN at a great disadvantage in effectively carrying out its peace-keeping operations and in coordinating international disaster relief.
Given the fact that UN peace-keeping forces are an integral part of the Middle East cease-fire, which you worked diligently to achieve, it is imperative to ensure that the UN does not become a weak link in implementation of the cease-fire because it lacks a modern communications system.
In order for the United Nations to respond with the necessary dispatch, efficiency, and reliability to new crises, arrangements should be made now to make INTELSAT's modern communications equipment available to the UN.
The United Nations has requested limited access to INTELSAT communications facilities at preferential rates for peace-keeping operations, environmental monitoring, and operational communications with major UN offices located away from its New York Headquarters. The Secretary General has also requested cost-free use of INTELSAT space segments for emergency communications with UN peace-keeping operations and UN disaster relief teams.
The United Nations has been entrusted with important responsibilities by its 135 member nations. These responsibilities include maintenance of international peace, the promotion of world-wide economic development, disaster relief, humanitarian programs and protection of the human environment: Every member of the world community, including the members of INTELSAT, has a stake in the success of the UN's efforts. To assure that the UN's limited resources are utilized as effectively and efficiently as possible, modern communications are essential.
The United States has a weighted vote of 40 % in INTELSAT. If the U.S. representatives were to support the United Nation's request, the likelihood of its approval would be greatly, enhanced.
Unfortunately, present indications are that the U.S. position is not to approve this request, and to require the UN to pay the full rate for use of INTELSAT facilities. While this position may be consistent with commercial interests, it is not consistent with U.S: national interests.
Recognizing the growing interdependence of nations and the immediate importance of the UN Middle East Peace-keeping Force, the United States should take the initiative to assure the United Nations access to the most modern means of communication available.
Your support of the UN's request can have a positive influence on INTELSAT's Board of
Governors and Assembly of Parties. INTELSAT's Board of Governors is presently meeting in Washington, and its Assembly will meet here next week. These meetings will determine INTELSAT policy for the next two years, and, therefore, your support is essential now.
Sincerely,
ADLAI E. STEVENSON III,
U.S. Senator.