Foreign Relations of the United States, Diplomatic Papers, 1945, General: The United Nations, Volume I

500.CC(PC)/12–2445: Telegram

The Acting United States Representative on the Preparatory Commission (Stevenson) to the Acting Secretary of State

London, December 24, 1945—4 p.m.
[Received 9:40 p.m.]

13562. This is Copre 665. Individual talks in last few days disclose Koo’s preferences for Secretary General are Pearson, Van Kleffens and Spaak in that order. Noel-Baker strongly favors Pearson. Gromyko expressed “great disappointment” that our preliminary reaction to Simic was unfavorable and foresaw “difficulties”. No affirmative response to Van Royen but I will continue to keep his name and Spaak’s in the discussions. Names of Sir John Anderson⁶⁰ and Aghnides⁶¹ have been added to Mudaliar⁶² in the gossip but not among the five.

Gromyko expressed doubt as to inclusion of Mexico on the Security Council and questioned four Western Hemisphere states. I presume he will press later for elimination of Mexico and inclusion of another Eastern European. He also questioned Egypt and suggested Syria as “less British”. He also implied that Belgium might be a more acceptable choice than the Netherlands. Noel-Baker strongly favors Spaak for President of GA. His second choice if necessary to satisfy Russian objections, would be Masaryk and Lie would be his third choice. His objection to Lie is on personal qualification grounds in contrast to Spaak’s ability and elocution.

[Here follows discussion of other subjects.]

Stevenson

60. Formerly British Chancellor of the Exchequer (in the Churchill wartime coalition government).
61. Thanassis Aghnides, Greek Representative on the Preparatory Commission.
62. Sir A. Ramaswami Mudaliar, Indian Representative on the Preparatory Commission.