501.BD/11–2746
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Acting Secretary of State
The Netherlands Ambassador called today to discuss US support for the election of the Netherlands to ECOSOC and to discuss informally the Netherlands-Indonesian Agreement, Dr. Loudon pointed out that he was in New York when it was learned that the US had abandoned its support for the Netherlands as a member of ECOSOC and that he had consequently instructed Mr. Daubanton and Mr. Reuchlin, his Ministers in Washington, to voice the protest of his country to the State Department. The Ambassador expressed official disappointment at our move and said that the Netherlands regarded itself as a more important nation economically than Turkey. I observed that the US fully appreciated the economic importance of the Netherlands and the support which the Netherlands was expected to give to our proposals for broadening the bases of world trade. I explained, however, that the election of Lebanon had confused our position since it left us with three candidates for two positions. I added that the matter was being handled personally by the Secretary and that it was my understanding that the Secretary was discussing our position with Senators Austin, Connally and Vandenberg this afternoon. I advised the Ambassador that if his Government wished to discuss the matter further it should be taken up in New York.
[Here follow personal remarks by Dr. Loudon about the Netherlands-Indonesian agreement.]