501.BB/9–848: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in France 1
us urgent
niact
3501. For Jessup. Dept agrees under present circumstances idea French, presidency should probably be dropped, especially if Spaak, as Kirk believes, willing to take chair Committee 1. If Spaak agreeable chairmanship Committee 1, Dept would wish to support him. Re Evatt’s candidacy for presidency, Dept does not wish to make advance commitment on GA presidency; in absence of strong alternative candidate, Dept would be disposed to vote for Evatt but would not wish to campaign for him or for anybody else.
Dept has no info Dulles–Hague GA conversations. Raynor discussed briefly main items with van Roijen Ottawa along line info you have. This discussion disclosed no specific Dutch views but added up to impression Dutch as usual will support our positions on key political questions.
- Repeated to Brussels as telegram 1319 and to The Hague as telegram 424. In telegram 1320 to Brussels, September 8, 7 p. m., the Department recapitulated the substance of this telegram and said further: “In view Spaak’s domestic and other international responsibilities Dept does not wish press him take Chairmanship Committee 1 but believes he would be best possible choice and that if it is known he is willing to serve Dept believes he would receive wide and enthusiastic support. In your discretion you may wish speak further with Spaak re this, point . . . .”This telegram was repeated to Paris as 3502. (501.BB/9–748)↩