Foreign Relations of the United States, 1948, General; the United Nations, Volume I, Part 1

IO Files: US(P)/A/M(Chr)/5

Minutes of the Fifth Meeting of the United States Delegation, Paris, Hotel d’Iéna, September 25, 1948, 9:15 a. m.

Paris, September 25, 1948, 9 a.m.

secret

[Here follows list of persons (32) present.]

1. Progress Report on Slates

At the request of Mr. Blaisdell, Mr. Popper explained that it had seemed appropriate to discuss briefly with the Delegation the recent and rapidly changing developments on slates. The Political Liaison Officers directly concerned were in a position to summarize the situation in their respective areas and he would, therefore, ask them to report directly to the Delegation.

Mr. Raynor said that he had talked with Van Royen about the Netherlands candidacy and thought it was quite possible that it might withdraw from the race for the Security Council. He noted that the British Commonwealth states opposed Egypt to replace Syria. Loridan (Belgium) had also advised him that Belgium favored Costa du Rels (Bolivia) and Sarper (Turkey) for vice chairman and Rapporteur respectively, of Committee I. Mr. Ross commented that Beeley (UK) had informed him that he had been authorized by the British Delegation to inform the Middle Eastern States that the British had not yet decided what candidate should be supported to replace Syria but would be strongly influenced in their choice by a collectively agreed upon candidate.

Mr. Villard explained that Turkey and Egypt were having conversations on their respective candidacies, but that no conclusion had been reached. There was no question but what the Arab League was supporting Egypt. Turkey was not actively campaigning, but if the United State indicated strong support, and asked it to campaign, Turkey would probably make a real election effort. In any event, some conclusion would probably be reached by Monday.

He noted that India was greatly interested in election to the Economic and Social Council and was actively campaigning. Although it had no tangible support as yet, he believed it would be worthwhile from the American point of view if India got a seat on the Economic and Social Council. Its orientation with the West had grown in the past year and its election would encourage it to take an even stronger line in our interest.

Dr. Corrigan reported that Ambassador Belt (Cuba) is claiming that Cuba has 39 votes for its candidacy for the Security Council, including the UK, and all of the Latin American states except Chile and Nicaragua upon whose votes he felt he could not depend. Brazil would be a candidate at the request of the Five Major Powers. Mr. Ross indicated that his information was that the UK was not committed to Cuba.

[Here follows discussion of other subjects.]