320/7–2154: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the Netherlands1
109. Hague’s 124 rptd Geneva 1 on presidency ninth GA. Dutch Chargé delivered similar message Murphy July 21 requesting reconsideration. Murphy agreed convey Chargé’s views to Secretary.
Chargé repeated Luns’ view US decision support Wan indicated we prepared sacrifice interests EUR states, particularly smaller ones, for temporary psychological advantage elsewhere and stated fear this might affect future cooperation Netherlands and other EUR states on Eur matters. Murphy replied while we fully understand Netherlands [Page 561] disappointment, it desirable keep in mind awareness relative importance of problems. While GA presidency is high international office, it is principally matter of prestige. Post is in no real sense definition basic importance of country or area from which occupant comes. In perspective it not comparable to such matters as EDC, which Dutch ratified in belief it would serve best interests Netherlands and not just as favor to us. Thus we hope that matter would not be put on trading basis and that basic Netherlands-US cooperation would not be affected.
Chargé reported sixteen definite commitments for Van Kleffens including Iran Pakistan and five LA’s and five informal but fairly definite promises including four more LA’s. Thus Dutch feel unlikely Wan could win and in any event he could not get complete support from any single bloc or area.
Murphy expressed satisfaction fact Balluseck and Wan have discussed matter in New York and it was agreed that continuing Dutch-Thai contact this matter useful.
- Drafted by Allen, EUR, and signed by Under Secretary Murphy. Sent for information to the Embassy in Thailand in telegram 165, and to USUN in telegram 54.↩