UNP files, lot 59 D 237, “Slates”
Memorandum by the Acting Director of the Office of
United Nations Political and Security Affairs (Popper)1
confidential
[Washington,] May 10, 1954.
- Subject:
- Attached Draft Cable on Security Council Election and Presidency
of Ninth GA
UNA wishes to send to USUN the attached draft cable in reply to
New York’s 678 on the question of the Security Council election and
[Page 540]
the Presidency of the Ninth
Assembly. Could we please have your comments and clearance as soon as
possible?2
[Attachment]
Re SC Election and Presidency Ninth
GA (urtel 678):
- 1.
- Understand Sweden definitely will not be candidate succeed
Denmark on SC (Deptel________________) and
assume from this Belgium will run. As pointed out Deptel 522 there could be
serious consequences from standpoint our relations with
Europeans in UN if we put up
Far Eastern candidate against Belgium. Although present
geographic pattern of non-permanent seats unfair to Far East
fact remains other areas would strongly resist effort alter
it and our Western European allies would fail understand why
we would stimulate Thai candidacy against Belgium which is
also well qualified under article 23 as major contributor
international peace and security. While it is true we might
get two-thirds majority our candidate if Arab-Asians and IAs
supported us, Department continues doubt we could get
sufficient support both these blocs even if we waged active
campaign. Arab-Asians might seize upon split between US and
Western Europeans over latter’s seat as opportunity put
forward India or other “neutral” candidate more acceptable
to them than Thailand, and many LAs would be likely support Belgium on grounds
change in present geographic pattern could prejudice
allocation two seats to LAs
in future. Department therefore continues believe
impracticable try elect Far Eastern country against
Belgium.
- 2.
- Department agrees points mentioned urtel 678 in favor doing what
we can for Wan
should be seriously considered in connection GA Presidency. However there are
also strong arguments in favor Van Kleffens. In
Department’s view it is too early for us take decision
between these two and we should keep our position flexible
and make no commitments for time being.
