IO Files: US/A/473

Memorandum of Conversations, by Ambassador William Dawson of the United States Delegation Staff of Advisers

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Argentine Candidacy for Security Council

I saw Aranha early this morning and inquired as to any further developments with regard to Argentina’s candidacy for the Security Council. He repeated his previous statement to the effect that Argentina had fourteen Latin American votes. I asked if any other Latin American candidate were in the field. He said that no other country had announced its candidacy but that Uruguay and Peru were possibilities. He said that it was of course important that any Latin American candidate have pretty solid Latin American backing and be assured of election.

I asked him if he could tell me what Latin American countries were committed to Argentina. He said that he had a list but not with him. I inquired whether the reported backing of fourteen countries was based on information furnished by Arce. Aranha said that it was but that in a considerable number of cases he had confirmed the information personally.

I reminded Aranha of our desire to be informed as to the Latin American choice and of our statement that we would give no advance commitment of support but would of course give sympathetic consideration. Since Aranha had already mentioned Tuesday, September 30, as the probable date for the holding of the elections, I inquired whether it would be possible for him to hold a caucus or obtain information at an early date which would give us a more definite picture. He said that he would get the Latin American group together today.

This afternoon, Aranha informed me that he had gathered most of the group in his office at Lake Success immediately after lunch, that he had ascertained the position of certain others, that he could now assure me that Argentina is clearly the preferred Latin American candidate, that he has definite information as regards the attitude of seventeen Latin American countries backing Argentina, and that the only ones remaining to be heard from are Guatemala (whose Delegate had previously expressed to me a preference for Uruguay), Peru and [Page 140] Uruguay. Aranha believes (and I am disposed to agree) that both Peru and Uruguay will join the group in supporting Argentina, I am inclined to believe also that Guatemala will fall into line.

As I had been in some doubt as to whether Panama and Venezuela would view Argentina with much favor, I inquired specifically as to the attitude of both countries. Aranha said that both the Venezuelan and Panamanian Delegates were definitely for Argentina. He added that Alfaro (Panama) had made the statement that in fact there was a commitment last year on the part of the Latin American group to support Argentina this year. Aranha noted also that Belt,1 who had mentioned Cuba’s candidacy at one time, is now for Argentina.

Aranha stated that the Arabs will vote for Argentina and he expressed the belief that as matters stand Argentina should obtain forty votes (enough to elect it on the first ballot).

  1. Dr. Guillermo Belt, Cuban Permanent Representative at the United Nations.