Mr. Paul Hoffel United Nations -Dept. of Public Information
In the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society's public position of October 22,2001 submitted for publication in The Guardian in the United Kingdom
1) They accuse the UN of failing to inform them that the rules governing NGOs was changed between 1991 and the present.
Years later, unbeknown to the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses, the United Nations published “Criteria for Association”, stipulating that affiliated NGO’s are required to support the goals of the United Nations.2) They accuse the UN of providing misinformation, causing the Watchtower's 'mistaken' belief that it was necessary to register as an NGO for the purpose of using the UN library resources.
In 1991 one of our legal corporations registered with the United Nations as a NGO (non-governmental organization) for the sole purpose of getting access to the extensive library of the United Nations.
3) They accuse the UN of being so lax, such as it was possible to "register" as an NGO without signing any documents
At the time of the initial application no signature was required on the form.
4) They state that there was nothing secret about their association with the UN, suggesting that the fault lay at the feet of the UN for not being clear in the rules regarding informing it's members of matters.
There was nothing secret about it.
The Watchtower leadership is presently directing it's congregational deacons to take punitive action againsst any member who finds out the truth. People are being demoralized in their quest for the truth. It would benefit all including yourself, if you were to provide any further information.
We seek documents proving that the Watchtower is wrong in its attempt to impugn the reputation of the various offices of the United Nations. This would include any documentation demonstrating that its fabrications against the UN are false.
We seek copies of the Watchtower's applications, original and from year to year, this would be excellent.
Any letter that you could draw up denying the allegations of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. If at all possible, a public statement on the UN web-site relevant to this would serve to quell the greater number of requests for proof. I could forward the official statement from the Watchtower for your legal dept. to study, and your people could put up a page to demonstrate the Watchtower's accusations as utterly false.
Lastly, any documentation showing that the Watchtower was involved with more than just the "library".
Mr. Hoffel, this issue will not go away by ignoring it. However, if you can co-operate in this regard, then any negative repercussions your office might face due to publicity surrounding this matter will be greatly reduced.