320/7–2754
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Deputy Under Secretary of State (Murphy)1
- Subject:
- Presidency of the Ninth General Assembly
- Participants:
- M. Carlier, Chargé d’Affaires, Belgian Embassy
- Mr. Murphy, G
- Mr. W. P. Allen, EUR
M. Carlier called on instructions to express in the name of M. Spaak the concern of the Belgian Government at the apparent US decision to support Prince Wan for the Presidency. He pointed out that there has been only one European President in the eight General Assemblies while there have been three Asians. It is the general European feeling that this imbalance should be redressed and the position of Europe in the UN be recognized by the election of Van Kleffens this year. Moreover, although Prince Wan is very highly regarded in Europe, the European countries feel that because the next General Assembly will have to deal extensively with Far Eastern matters, it would be better not to have an Asian president. In addition and speaking frankly from the Belgian point of view on colonial problems, they think it would be desirable that a national of a so-called colonial power hold the post. Because Van Kleffens’ candidacy is well advanced, the Dutch are reasonably confident of a majority of votes and Belgium is determined to maintain its backing for Van Kleffens to the last vote.
Mr. Murphy referred to the current exceptional importance of the Southeast Asian area and its problems and the fact that Prince Wan was very disappointed in 1952 and 1953 when he failed to be elected. He said that frankly, while we did not doubt there would be disappointment, we did not anticipate a violent reaction from the Dutch and other European powers since we have not looked upon this office as a “great plum”. He assured M. Carlier that our attitude was in no way designed to discriminate against Europe and pointed out that Europe’s importance in the UN is obvious and is recognized in the composition of the Security Council and other UN bodies and docs not of course depend upon holding the presidency.
[Page 570]In the course of the discussion as to the real basis of the European reaction to our position, M. Carlier suggested that the Europeans generally are feeling very sensitive as to their world position, are under considerable pressures from various sources and propaganda from unfriendly quarters. They have noticed what they regard as a slight reorientation of US policy towards Asia and our support of Prince Wan is construed as a further indication of this. So the question is raised, particularly among the opposition in European governments, as to “why so many favors for Asia and so little for us.”
Mr. Murphy stated that we found it difficult to see why our policy should be regarded in that light and that it would be quite absurd to suggest that against the background of our demonstrated attitude and action on all basic matters affecting Europe, support of Prince Wan for the Presidency indicates any reorientation of our policy. When M. Carlier suggested the possibility of a change in our position, Mr. Murphy stated that Mr. Dulles will, of course, carefully examine the situation, and the Belgian point of view will be given most careful consideration. We have promised Prince Wan our support and while we are not engaged in any sort of campaign in his favor so long as he is a candidate, we do not have much freedom of action in the matter.
- Drafted by Allen of EUR.↩