Next UN Secretary-General

Your front page report (June 21, 1996) was regrettable, painful and disappointing, as far as the American's behavior at the United Nations is concerned.

Boutros-Boutros Ghali was elected ostensibly because no African had ever held this post since the world body was established 50 years ago. When this idea was first mooted the U.S. was reluctant to support African candidates. The U.S. was eventually defeated by other UN members.

Now they oppose Boutros Ghali's try for a second five-year term. If they can eliminate him, they will have an opportunity to install the figure of their choice, someone who will dance to their tune.

Most probably, the next UN Secretary-General will not come from the developing world. Probably he'll be from the West: a Caucasian. This at a time when the UN Security Council is already dominated by Westerners of the Caucasian race.

BUHARI ABDU

Jakarta