Office of the Historian

310.2/7–3054: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the Netherlands1

confidential
priority
Washington, July 30, 1954—7:12 p.m.

159. As result consideration by Secretary at staff meeting Friday following is amplification US position: If Wan maintains his candidacy US will of course fulfill pledge vote for him. US does not however intend lobby for or against either candidate both of whom we think would make excellent presidents.

Foregoing conveyed Dutch Chargé by Murphy this afternoon and you may wish advise Netherlands Government. Chargé also asked whether if on first vote Wan does not receive majority US would switch to Van Kleffens. While agreeing inform Secretary this request Murphy indicated strong negative reaction.

Dulles
  1. Repeated to USUN as telegram 68.↩