BRACERS Notes

Record no. Notes, topics or text
65201

A thank-you letter for the treatment received during their visit to Cairo.

65202

Abdel Rahman is waiting "to receive fuller details about the project of the peace fund."

65203

Schoenman and Johnson "... deeply hope that it will be possible for the United Arab Republic to assist this work."

The work referred to is that of the BRPF.

65204

Nasser is President of the United Arab Republic.

BR is "... very concerned about recent developments in the Middle East...."

BR mentions that Israel is considering the Arab refugee issue and inquires if Nasser could receive his representative, Schoenman.

65205

BR inquires if Nasser can receive two of his representatives "around July 2", with the purpose of discussing "the Cold War and Middle Eastern affairs."

65206

BR is concerned about the arms race in the Middle East and appeals to the powers in the region to allow for "... international supervision and control of all nuclear plants and delivery systems for rockets."

On the verso, part of the letter has been typed.

Also present are two copies of the letter, TL(TC,X) and a two-page TL(CAR).

65207

BR appeals for the release of "... distinguished scholars, artists, writers and former members of parliament...", who are "detained in Kanator Prison."

Those mentioned in the appeal are: Dr. Abdel Azim Anis, Dr. Fayid Farid, Dr. Hussein Kamal El-Din, Dr. Fawzy Mansour, Mr. Mahmould El-Alem, Mr. Hassan Fouad, Mr. David Aziz, Mr. Lewis Boktor, "and the fifteen wives of political prisoners".

65208

El-Kony is U.A.R. Ambassador.

He acknowledges BR's letter of 24 March 1964.

65209

A thank-you letter.

65210

BR is "... very concerned about the increase in tension between the Arab states and Israel and about the continued suffering of the Arab Palestinian refugees." BR asks "... if it would be possible for the administration of the Gaza Strip to be placed under the jurisdiction of King Hussein...."

Typed on a different typewriter, a postscript states: "May I suggest that the transference of the Gaza Strip should be done with the consent of the Arab League and under their joint supervision?"

Also present is a copy of the letter, TL(CAR), minus the postscript.

65211

Dessouki is Governor of Cairo.

BR makes reference to an enclosed copy (not present) of an article he wrote on South Arabia. BR has sent the original to Mr. Heiki in the hopes of having it published in Al-Ahram (where it did appear on 28 Aug. 1964).

65212

Riffat isSecretary of the Arab Socialist Union. BR encloses the article (not present) that Riffat had requested.

65213

Nasser is President of the U.A.R.

BR encloses a "special copy" of the article he has written for El Katib.

65214

BR is "sorry" that the article he had written for El Katib was published ahead of schedule by Africa and the World.

65215

New Year's and Christmas card. The greeting card has two parts, and enclosed in the card is a postcard.

The postcard has a photo of "limestone statues of Prince Rahotep and Princess Nofert—4th dyn. Old Kingdom."

65216

A thank-you letter for Christmas and New Year's greetings.

BR requests Nasser's view on an enclosed article (not present) that deals with the Congo. BR also requests Nasser sponsor the BRPF, and asks if he can receive Mr. Zaki.

Khalid Zaki is one of BR's representatives.

65217

Ismail is U.A.R. Ambassador.

Ismail has yet to receive "the details of Mr. Khalid Zaki's visit to Cairo".

Ismail suggests arranging a meeting with BR's representatives.

65218

BR suggests that a meeting between Ismail and his representatives should wait until Ismail has received the details of Khalid Zaki's visit to Cairo.

65219

Heikal is the editor of Al-Ahram, the nationalized Arabic newspaper.

Heikal writes that the U.A.R. has agreed "definitely and wholeheartedly" to BR's request that an office of the BRPF be opened in Cairo.

65220

BR inquires if Ismail has received any details of Khalid Zaki's visit to Cairo.

65221

Al-Ahram is the nationalized Arab newspaper.

BR is "pleased" about the decision to establish an office of the BRPF in Cairo and requests that "a number of" his representatives attend the official opening. BR also inquires as to the possibility of the U.A.R. providing his representatives with return airfare.

Those mentioned by BR in the letter are: Hamsa Alavi, Denis Phombeah, Saliz Ahmed Saiz, Ralph Schoenman, Khalid Zaki and "... one other representative whose name I will be able to provide in the near future."

65222

BR is "... deeply shocked by the kidnapping and probable murder of Mehdi Ben Barka.

BR suspects the involvement of the Central Intelligence Agency.

65223

BR appeals for the release "... of twelve leading personalities of the Yemen", who were arrested in Cairo.

Those mentioned by BR include: Hassan Al-Amry, Ahmed Mohamed Noman, Dr. Hassan Meki, Amin Abdul Wasseh Noman, Ahmed Abdull Said, Mohamed Al-Khawi, Ali Seif Al-Kholani, Ibrahim Al-Hamadi, Mougahed Hassan, Said Mourshed, Moustafa Al-Khabalawi, and Othman Atiya.

BR also appeals to Nasser to use his "... undoubted influence with General Sallal to release those arbitrarily arrested by him in the Yemen." General Sallal is Head of the Yemen Army.

65224

U Thant is Secretary-General.

BR comments "... that unless there is a radical and immediate alteration in the world situation, nuclear war is inevitable." BR asks U Thant to consider "... a balancing committee of non-aligned powers to suggest solutions to the various world problems which the two nuclear blocs seem unable to resolve."

Those in favour of the proposal include Rev. Michael Scott, Jawaharlal Nehru (Prime Minister of India), Julius Nyerere (President of Tanzania), and Kenneth Kaunda (President of Zambia).

BR also mentions he is sending U Thant some "recent writings and speeches, and some documents on the work of the Committee of 100".

65225

U Thant is unable to nominate BR for the Nobel Peace Prize because Thant does "... not belong to the category of those people who are competent to make any nominations...."

Schoenman's address is given as 22 Well Walk, London N.W.3.

65226

Bunche is UN Under-Secretary.

Bunche is unable to nominate BR for the Nobel Peace Prize because it would be "... inappropriate to do so while I am an official of the United Nations."

65227

BR is "... very much alarmed at the rapidity with which the nuclear technology itself is getting out of control."

BR is looking forward to meeting U Thant in London (apparently their first meeting).

65228

BR will be happy to see U Thant during his visit to London on 5 July 1962.

65229

U Thant hopes "to be in London between 5 and 7 July", and looks forward to meeting BR during that time.

Thant thanks BR "for your kind letter of May 22 and for your sympathy in my bereavement."

BR's letter of 22 May 1962 is not known, as is the subject of the bereavement.

65230

Full title: "Memorandum Submitted to U Thant by Bertrand Russell Re: Balancing Committee 6.7.1962".

BR suggests the formation of a Balancing Committee composed of members of uncommitted nations who would investigate "... matters in debate between East and West as they arise, with a view to suggesting compromise solutions which both sides could accept without loss of face."

The draft is in Schoenman's hand, but reads as if it was dictated by BR.

Also present are four copies of the document, two TS and two TS(CAR).

One of the TS is an intermediate stage of the document.

65231

BR outlines the need to establish the BRPF and asks U Thant if he would sponsor the Foundation.

BR also mentions that "without the ability to present continous facts about the folly of current Cold War policy and the need for attention to the real problems of mankind, our efforts to promote widespread consciousness can not rise above a certain threshold."

Also present is a copy of the letter, TL(CAR,X).

65232

U Thant cannot sponsor the BRPF due to his position as Secretary-General; however, he would "be both honoured and pleased" to assist the BRPF in other ways, such as writing articles or involvement in its educational programmes.

Also present are two copies of the letter, TLS(X) and TL(X).

65233

U Thant reports that the matter mentioned in BR's telegram of 23 October 1962 is before the Security Council of the United Nations.

The matter in question is the Cuban Missile Crisis.

65234

U Thant turns down BR's request of 18 October to address the General Assembly as "unfortunately under the rules, only delegations of member governments can participate in the General Assembly debate."

BR's letter of 18 October is at record 101811.

65235

In regard to the Cuban Crisis, BR asks if U Thant could "... personally go to Cuba to act as arbitrator, inspect bases and formulate proposal."

The telegram was sent at 10:30 p.m.

65236

BR understands the reasons why he is not allowed to address the General Assembly and why U Thant cannot sponsor the BRPF while he is Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Russell and Thant have had a long telephone conversation: "My uneven hearing makes [it] trying for the other party."

"I should prefer not to go to New York unless the situation clearly made it necessary and justifiable."

Also present is a copy of the letter, TL(CAR).

65237

BR congratulates U Thant on his "consolidated position".

The draft telegram is in Edith Russell's hand.

Also present are three copies of the telegram, two TEL(TC) and a TEL(TC,CAR).

65238

A thank-you telegram.

Also present is a copy of the telegram, TEL(X).

The copy also has a TC typed on it.

65239

U Thant "cannot take any positive action" on BR's request of 21 Feb. [this letter is not in BRACERS] to have his communication about political prisoners in Greece put before the General Assembly, because of rules regarding communications from individuals.

65240

Schoenman is "... concerned that a thorough picture of Lord Russell's present efforts be given you ...", referring to meeting with U Thant. Schoenman describes some of the proposals re the Sino-Indian dispute and asks for a preface for the BRPF's public document setting out its aims.

Schoenman's return address is c/o Rabinowitz and Boudin, 30 E. 42nd St., New York.

Also present are seven copies of the letter, four TL(CAR) and three TL(CAR,X).

65241

Enclosed with the document at record 65251.

Full title: "Statement of the Secretary-General Before the Fifth Committee of the Fourth Special Session on 15 May 1963".

U Thant outlines the United Nations financial problems, stating that ... the unhappy fact remains that the organization continues in a state of serious financial difficulty."

65242

U Thant states that it would be inappropriate for him "... to write a preface to the public document setting out the aims of the Russell Foundation."

U Thant also encloses a copy of a letter he had previously sent to BR; see record 65232.

Also present is an additional copy of the letter, TLS(CAR).

65243

BR is distressed about "... the decision on the part of the Soviet government no longer to support financially the work of the United Nations." BR refers to a copy of a letter (not present) that he has sent to Khrushchev.

Also present are three copies of the letter, 2 TL(CAR) and a TL(CAR,X).

65244

While Schoenman understands U Thant's reluctance to write a preface for a public document concerning the BRPF, he nevertheless hopes that U Thant "... will find it possible to write a message which we may use."

Schoenman also outlines his schedule of meetings with the leaders of Ceylon, India and China.

Also present is a copy of the letter, TL(CAR,X).

65245

A thank-you letter in which U Thant refers to the an enclosed message; see record 65246.

At the foot of the letter: "Sign U Thant. No date no yours sincerely".

Note that the UN logo and U Thant's signature have been cut out of the letter. They are found pasted onto the document at record 65246 and reproduced in B&R B167.

Also present is a copy of the letter, TL(CAR).

65246

Preface for the public document outlining the aims of the BRPF. This document is referred to as an enclosure at record 65245.

The statement was originally unsigned; however, the United Nations logo and U Thant's signature were pasted to the document (the logo and signature were cut from the letter at record 65245).

Also present is a copy of the letter, TLS(CAR).

65247

A thank-you letter in which U Thant encloses a copy of his message (see record 65248) for the public document outlining the aims of the BRPF.

Also present is a copy of the letter, TLS(CAR).

65248

U Thant's statement for the public document outlining the aims of the BRPF.

This original copy of the statement does not have the UN logo or U Thant's signature on it; see record 65256.

Also present is a copy of the letter, TL(TC,X).

65249

Ellis is a secretary to BR.

A thank-you letter for U Thant's preface to the public document on the aims of the BRPF.

65250

BR hopes that U Thant "... will be able to write a message for the public brochure of the Foundation."

BR also outlines the schedule of Schoenman and "his other secretary" Pottle, who will be visiting with the leaders of Ceylon, India and China.

65251

U Thant believes "... that the financial crisis is one of the most serious problems facing the U.N. today."

65252

A thank-you letter for Thant's preface to B&R B167.

65253

Farley refers to the enclosed (not present) "... first brief document concerning the Bertrand Russell Peace Foundation, which contains your [U Thant's] message."

65254

BR, commenting on a letter from Khrushchev, writes that "Mr. Khrushchev claims that the financial crisis of the United Nations is ultimately a political—and not a financial—crisis, caused by the Western powers."

Also present are six copies of the letter, four TL(CAR) and two TL(CAR,X).

65255

U Thant, in response to BR's letter of 12 July 1963 (see record 65254), comments that "... it would be difficult for me in view of my official position to comment on the position taken by Mr. Khrushchev."

Also present are six copies of the letter, four TL(CAR) and two TL(CAR,X).

65256

U Thant hopes "... that the Bertrand Russell Peace Foundation will institutionalize and continue the crusade for a warless world free from the fear of the nuclear bomb."

65257

BR encloses a statement he gave and a brochure outlining the aims of the Foundations (both documents not present).

BR also outlines the discussions his representatives, Schoenman and Pottle, had with the leaders of Ceylon, India and China.

Also present are two copies of the letter, TL(CAR).

65258

BR feels "... most disturbed by the circumstances that surround the death of President Kennedy."

BR mentions articles on the assassination that appeared in The Minority of One, The Texas Observer, and I.F. Stone's Weekly.

BR also encloses a copy of a letter (not present) he is sending to President Johnson concerning "the danger of a renewed crisis in Cuba."

65259

A thank-you letter in which U Thant comments that he "read with interest" BR's letter addressed to President Johnson.

65260

BR is "... very concerned about the danger of full-scale American intervention in Vietnam."

BR also encloses copies of telegrams (not present) to the leaders of Turkey and Cyprus regarding a possible United Nations peace-keeping force.

Also present are two copies of the letter, TL(CAR).

65261

An acknowledgement of BR's letter of 25 February 1964.

Also present is a copy of the letter, TLS(X).

65262

BR appreciates the "difficulty" of the situation in Cyprus and refers to an enclosed (not present) copy of a letter sent to President Johnson.

The letter has been edited by Edith Russell.

Also present is a copy of the letter, TL(CAR).

65263

A thank-you letter in which U Thant comments that he has "read with interest" BR's letter to President Johnson.

65264

Schoenman will be visiting New York "from June 3 until June 13" and wishes to meet with U Thant to discuss matters of concern to the BRPF.

65265

Enclosed with the document at record 65268. This is a transcript of U Thant's press conference in Canada.

Issues raised included: peacekeeping force in Cyprus, financial situation of the UN, problems in South-East Asia, the Vietnam War, and the general political climate of the world.

65266

BR is looking forward to his meeting with U Thant on 24 July 1964.

BR hopes to discuss South East Asia, the Middle East, and Sino-American relations.

Also present is a copy of the letter, TL(CAR).

65267

Schoenman thanks U Thant for "finding time" to meet with him. He informs U Thant that the Chinese are willing to compromise on the issue of civilian posts in the Sino-Indian boundary dispute, and that Israel will consider the question of Arab refugees as separate from "... an overall settlement of Arab-Israeli differences."

Schoenman asks Thant for a message for a meeting in London on 9 July to be convened by BR, re Laos and Vietnam.

65268

U Thant, due to the "strong views held by various governments", cannot issue a statement to the meeting being convened by BR on 9 July 1964.

65269

A thank-you letter in which U Thant advises BR that his travel plans to London have changed resulting in him advancing his "journey to London by a day".

65270

BR will be "very happy" to see U Thant on 23 July 1964, and lists the most convenient times for a visit as 11:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

65271

In Russian with an English translation.

Khrushchev responds to a letter from U.S. Secretary of State John Foster Dulles, published in the New Statesman on 8 February 1958. Dulles had called Soviet suggestions to end the arms race "Communist propaganda".

Khrushchev outlines his view of the "present international situation" and defends the history of Communism, stating that "only short-sighted people can think that the ideas of Communism can be destroyed by war."

In response to the attitudes of Dulles and others who fear a Soviet attack, Khrushchev comments "come to your senses, gentlemen—what makes you think that the Soviet Union intends to attack the Western powers? Why do you deceive your own people?"

Also present, in addition to the translated copy, are a TL(TC) and a TL(CAR).

65272

Martin is editor of the New Statesman.

Khrushchev, responding to a published letter from U.S. Secretary of State Dulles, states that Dulles' letter contains "distortions and inaccuracies". Khrushchev asks that his response to Dulles' letter, addressed to BR, be published in the New Statesman; see record 65271.

Also present are two copies of the letter, TL(CAR).

65273

Zolotov is Private Secretary to the Soviet Ambassador.

He acknowledges receipt of BR's letter dated "29 inst.", i.e. 29 Jan. 1959.

See record 65275.

65274

Malik is Soviet Ambassador.

His letter is in Russian with an English translation. A thank-you letter on behalf of Khrushchev for the copy of Common Sense and Nuclear Warfare.

65275

In Russian with an English translation.

Malik informs BR that his "... proposal has met with a positive response on the part of Mr. N.S. Khrushchev." The letter refers to BR's letter of 29 January 1959 wherein BR proposed the publication in the U.S. of a book on the Soviet point of view.

The letter of 29 January 1959 is located under Rathbone Books in RA1 410, record 7098.

65276

This letter is written at the top of the document at record 65319. Schoenman is commenting on a draft letter to American Ambassador David Bruce where the issue of Schoenman travelling under British travel documents is raised.
 

65277

Malik informs BR that his "... appointment as Ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the U.S.S.R. ..." has been "terminated".

Malik thanks BR for his hospitality and "friendly attention".

65278

BR makes reference to an enclosed letter to Premier Khrushchev; see record 65331.

BR asks the Ambassador (name not given) to "... forward this letter, perhaps by telegraph, as soon as is conveniently possible."

Also present is a typed copy of the letter, TL(CAR), the source of the date for the holograph draft and of its address.

65279

Thant informs BR that he will call on him at 11:45 a.m. on 23 July 1964.

65280

Thant asks BR if it would be "equally convenient" to call on him at 10:45 a.m. on 23 July 1964.

65281

BR is "very eagerly" looking forward to Thant's visit and comments that he recently met with Linus Pauling and J.D. Bernal to gather support "to reconvene the fourteen nation Geneva powers."

65282

This telegram was sent because of a postal strike.

The contents are the same as in the letter found at record 65280, but this time they are quoted by the sender, Lindstrom (who is Director of the UN Information Centre, London).

65283

Press release outlines issues to be discussed between BR and Thant during their meeting at Claridges at 7:00: Vietnam and Laos, the Sino-Indian dispute, the Arab-Israeli dispute and the BRPF.

"Mr. Schoenman's passport" has been added in green ink to the issues to be discussed.

65284

Re the Gulf of Tonkin incident. BR comments on the American attack on North Vietnam: "If the United States behaves in this way, there is small hope for the peace of the world."

BR also believes that the BRPF can play a key role in "... the coordination of resources on the part of all those opposed to the Cold War."

BR mentions that the BRPF is building "... a council of scientific advisors and a council of general advisors" and lists President Nkrumah, President Nyerere, Prime Minister Kaunda, President Senghor, and President Ayub Khan as those leaders who have committed to sponsor the BRPF.

BR encloses (not present) recent statements and telegrams by him and the article "Africa and the Peace Movement".

65285

A thank-you letter for BR's letter of 7 August 1964.

Thant is "... particularly interested to read your more detailed account of plans for the Peace Foundation and hopes that you will find adequate means of resolving the financial difficulties which you have noted."

65286

Schoenman "... was grateful for the opportunity to put Lord Russell's proposals concerning the Gaza Strip and the Jordan Valley before Dr. Owen", and hopes he can meet with Thant to further discuss BR's proposals.

Dr. David Owen is the Executive Chairman of the United Nations Technical Assistance Board.

65287

BR mentions that one of his assistants, Nicholas Johnson, was in Cairo to discuss the Arab-Israeli dispute.

BR believes that the BRPF "will be acceptable to the Arabs as an agency for conducting research and promoting the construction of a modern port in Gaza...."

BR asks Thant to approve the allocation of funds to the BRPF in order that the Foundation can "... organize the research team and promote the research which seems to be acceptable to the Egyptians."

Schoenman has discussed the BRPF's Middle East projects with Dr. David Owen, and BR refers to his own discussion of them with Thant.

65288

Thant, responding to BR's request that funds be released to the BRPF for research, states that "... any involvement on the part of the United Nations, either by way of financial backing or even moral support would be impossible at the present time."

BR had hoped to secure funding to research "... the possibility of transforming Gaza into a modern port and of making arable the Jordan Valley." Thant claims that these projects were mentioned only in passing at their meeting.

Also present is a copy of the letter, TLS(X).

65289

BR makes reference to a journal, The Spokesman, to be published fortnightly by the BRPF, starting on 10 September 1965.

BR asks Thant to contribute an article on "international peacekeeping and the present United Nations structure."

65290

BR is "saddened" to learn of Thant's recent illness and extends his "sincere wishes for your recovery".

65291

Thant is "grateful" for BR's letter wishing him a speedy recovery and extends greetings for the holiday season and the New Year.

65292

An acknowledgement of BR's letter of "... 9 February 1965 addressed to the Security Council concerning the situation in South Vietnam."

Thant believes that only "... political and diplomatic methods of negotiation and discussion will find a peaceful solution."

65293

An acknowledgement of BR's letter of 29 July 1965.

Thant comments that he read the enclosed copy of BR's statement at the World Conference of Peace at Helsinki with "very great interest".

65294

Schoenman makes reference to the enclosed (not present) text of his "personal remarks" at the World Conference of Peace at Helsinki.

65295

BR is "... deeply shocked by the kidnapping and probable murder of Mehdi Ben Barka." BR suspects the involvement of the Central Intelligence Agency.

65296

Although BR has suggested that the United Nations conduct an independent investigation into political murders, Thant states that "... it is not open to the Secretary-General to take such an initiative."

BR is referring to the political murders of Ben Barka and Delgado.

65297

Dulles is Secretary of State.

He acknowledges BR's letter of 26 Oct. 1955 and enclosed message (not present).

Dulles states that although he does not agree with the specifics of BR's proposals, he recognizes BR's "sincerity of purpose".

Also present is a copy of the letter, TC(CAR).

65298

A thank-you letter for the advance copy of Common Sense and Nuclear Warfare.

Eisenhower adds that "... no one could possibly pray more devoutly for a just peace than do I."

65299

Bruce is American Ambassador.

BR states that "the series of atmospheric tests being conducted by your government constitute an act of barbarism." BR refers to an enclosed leaflet (not present) for the President's attention. He adds that "the power of your government to kill is great and its respect for life is small."

Under BR's typed name is the title "President, Committee of 100". A clause is inserted in Schoenman's hand.

65300

An acknowledgement of BR's undated letter found at record 65299.

Bruce mentions that he is forwarding BR's letter to the White House.