CREDENTIALS
CONFIDENTIAL
(Sec also separate Sections on Calls for the Expulsion of Members of the UN and the Specialised Agencies, Page 30 Afghanistan, Page 1; and Kampuchea, Page 34.)
1.
We regard the consideration of credentials as a technical and legal matter. The function of Credentials Committees
·
is to check that the credentials of Member States are submitted in accordance with the rules of procedure. They are not the place for political gestures in connexion with governments' policies. If there is a move to object to acceptance of any credentials on political grounds, the delegation should refer for instructions if there is time. If not, they should oppose any move for the rejection on political grounds of any country's credentials. They should speak on the lines of the first
3 sentences of this paragraph.
2. Where there is a dispute over competing claims to represent a state, or where there is a question of recognition, the delegation should refer for instructions (see also sections on Afghanistan and Kampuchea),
3. It is becoming increasingly common for governments to use Credentials Committees and consideration of their reports to the main body for the expression of political views, notably objections to the seating of Israel and South Africa. Objections to Chile and Egypt can equally be expected. There can also be problems when there are competing claims to represent the same seats (eg Cambodia, on which see separate section) or where there are problems over recognition (eg Afghanistan again see separate section).
4. It is normal practice for the rules of procedure of UN bodies to provide for the form and timing of presentation of the credentials of national representatives. For example, the General Assembly rules of procedure provide as follows:
'IV CREDENTIALS
Submission of Credentials
Rule 27
(45)
KAMDENTIAL