320/7–2654: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Aldrich) to the Department of State
451. Foreign Office states it has learned from UKUN that US intends back Prince Wan for President UNGA for coming session. Dutch have in last few days called at Foreign Office in some agitation and expressed deep regret as it was Dutch assumption US would back Van Kleffens for this job.
Foreign Office says that in addition UK, French and Belgians are committed to Van Kleffens and it “understood” Canada, New Zealand and Australia also backing Dutch candidate. Scandinavian position apparently not yet clear.
Foreign Office believes that as primary consideration, it is West’s turn to head GA. It also notes Van Kleffens’ ability and does not consider there is any continuing obligation to Wan because of past defeat or withdrawal of support. Further, Foreign Office considers that south or southeast Asian at head GA coming session would be undesirable in light possibility thorny problems re those areas may arise; Thai [Page 567] appeal for POC might pose especially “embarrassing” problem with Wan in chair.
Foreign Office has cabled UKUN this matter and British Embassy may raise with Department. Embassy would appreciate Department’s comments.1
- USUN cabled in telegram 81, July 26, 1 p.m., that UKUN had informed them similarly (320/7–2654).↩