Rejecting New Thant Refusal

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31167, 17 September 1966, Page 15

Rejecting New Thant Refusal

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) NEW YORK, September 16. Diplomats refused today to accept as final the Secretary-General’s repeated declaration that he would leave his job when his term expired on November 3, United Press International reported.

U Thant reiterated yesterday his September 1 statement that he did not wish to “offer himself” for re-elec-tion.

“I continue to believe that the best interests of the organisation would be served if the .member Governments would direct their efforts to the finding of a suitable and acceptable successor,” he said.

“I would also very humbly appeal to all those concerned to avoid any kind of fanfare, either in the search for a successor or in public expressions of their continued trust and confidence in me.” The United States Ambassador, Mr Arthur Goldberg, issued a statement refusing to take U Thant’s “no” for an answer.

“We have read with care and interest the statement by the Secretary-General, U Thant, and we have the great-

est respect for his views and opinions.” Mr Goldberg said. “But it is still the belief of the United States Government that the interests of the United Nations and world peace can best be served by Secretary-General U Thant remaining in his position.”