United Nations Temporary Executive Authority

The United Nations Temporary Executive Authority was established on 1 October 1962 in accord with Article two of the New York Agreement to administer the former Dutch colony of West New Guinea until it was handed over to Indonesia on 1st May 1963.
This was the first time in its history that the United Nations assumed direct administrative responsibility for a territory, as opposed to monitoring or supervising. The United Nations would go on to undertake similar missions in Cambodia, Croatia, Kosovo and East Timor.

United Nations Security Force

In addition to civil administration, the United Nations also had a peacekeeping role through the United Nations Security Force. The maximum force strength was 1,500 infantry and 76 aircraft personnel. Pakistan, Canada and United States contributed personnel with Pakistan providing 1,500 troops and the United States and Canada contributing 60 and 16 air force personnel respectively. The Force Commander for the UNSF was Said Uddin Khan of Pakistan.

Head of mission

UNTEA was led by Special Representative of the Secretary General of Guatemala from 1 October 1962 to 15 November, and then by of the Imperial State of Iran who served from 15 November 1962 to 1 May 1963.