310.2/7–2254
The United States Representative at the United Nations (Lodge) to the Deputy Under Secretary of State (Murphy)
Dear Bob: A serious mistake has been made in not seeking a commitment from Van Kleffens that he would rule the Chinese Representation question an important matter requiring a ⅔ vote.
On July 13th, (mytel 31) I suggested to the Secretary that such a commitment be sought from Van Kleffens. In transmitting this telegram to the Secretary in Paris, the Department made the comment that such an approach to Van Kleffens might be embarrassing in view of the Secretary’s conversation with Prince Wan on July 1st, (Deptel 167 to Paris).
In the light of this comment, I renewed my suggestion to the Secretary on July 16th, (mytel 45) particularly in view of the possible imminent pledge of support to Prince Wan.
I now learn that meanwhile a memorandum was sent to the Secretary recommending that the Dutch Embassy in Washington be advised, as soon as possible, of our commitment to support Prince Wan. I do not know whether my renewed suggestion of the 16th was brought to the Secretary’s attention at the same time as the recommendation that the Dutch be informed.
[Page 563]On July 17th, (Deptel 42) I was advised that Van Kleffens should not be approached on the Chinese Representation matter because the US had made up its mind to support Prince Wan.
It seems perfectly obvious to me that there was no reason why the Dutch needed to know, at that moment, of our decision to support Prince Wan. Furthermore, there was every reason for trying to get Van Kleffens to commit himself on the all-important question before he knew we were supporting someone else.
Obviously it would be advantageous to the US for all candidates for the Presidency to be committed on the vital issue of a ⅔vote.
The above resumé gives rise to a suspicion that someone had talked cut of turn, and prematurely informed the Dutch of our decision to support Prince Wan, when there was absolutely no need to tell them—and before any commitment had been obtained from them.
Now it is too late and an opportunity has been missed for which we may have to pay a very heavy price indeed.
Sincerely yours,