501.BC/6–2848: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Acting United States Representative at the United Nations (Jessup)
466. Urtel 827, June 28.1 Dept feels it most desirable that SC seat from which Belgium retires, should continue to be occupied by state from western or northern Europe. In view of facts (a) that Article 23 of the Charter provides that a retiring member shall not be eligible for immediate reelection and requires that, in the choice of SC members, due regard be paid to equitable geographic distribution, and (b) that Netherlands preceded Belgium on SC, this govt has been considering possibility of Norway or Denmark as Belgium’s successor. It is not known whether Norway or Denmark is interested in this post.
Netherlands election would probably be opposed by Slav states and perhaps all so-called anti-colonial powers as well. There might also be a feeling by certain small states that SC posts should not be monopolized by few states and a prejudice against single seat in effect rotating between Belgium and Netherlands. Moreover, obvious overall UN organizational considerations indicate importance and desirability wider distribution such vital UN posts.
Please make informal and confidential inquiries this matter with your UK and French colleagues, refraining from any commitments and indicating our desire obtain fullest info before reaching decision.
- Not printed.↩