March 30, 1981
Dear Dr. Novak:
This letter is to extend my appreciation and
congratulations for your performance as United States Representative to the
37th session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights.
You were in a difficult position as the first spokesman for
the international human rights position of the new Administration. Many eyes
were upon you. You responded by representing this country with skill and
eloquence.
Your recommendations, your speeches, and your handling of
the proceedings in Geneva all brought great credit to you and the rest of your
delegation. You helped establish the outline of the new emphasis in the area of
human rights that the President desires.
Thank you for a job well done.
Sincerely,
(signed)
Alexander M. Haig, Jr.
(Secretary of State)
March 12, 1982
(via telegraph)
For MICHAEL NOVAK and the USDEL from the SECRETARY
On behalf of the department let me offer my congratulations
on the fine work of the U.S. Delegation to the Human Rights Commission…
I want to commend especially the Delegation’s skilled
leadership in obtaining passage by the Human Rights Commission of a resolution
on Poland which speaks forcefully on human rights violations in an Eastern
European country. I am most impressed with your success in developing a broad
consensus among the Western sponsors and the support you gained for the
resolution from all regions of the world, including many small countries who
courageously resisted soviet pressure to vote against the resolution. This
proves that Poland is not solely an East-West issue but an international
problem that deeply concerns nations throughout the world. I congratulate you.
(Alexander) Haig