795.00/12–250: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Netherlands (Chapin) to the Secretary of State
niact
[Received December 2—4:51 p. m.]
818. I communicated Depcirtel 221 December 1 which received 2 p. m. today to Boon, SecGen FonOff. He said instruction to support vetoed SC resolution on presentation GA already sent the Netherlands delegation but in absence of Stikker and unavailability PriMin delegation cautioned not support any more strongly worded resolution until after communication FonOff. Boon agreed logical next step is referral question to GA.
[Page 1307]Boon added government greatly perturbed existing situation and said FonOff had had no word from Peking since November 26. Said he checked with Swedes who experiencing same difficulty. Feared messages being held up.
My impression based on talks with other Netherlands officials and diplomats is that while during preceding crisis it is populace who worried, now it government which is frankly scared over possibilities of developing situation. Boon reiterated that Dutch attitude same as British, French, Belgians and representatives among whom Belgian Ambassador last night indicated many continuing perturbed consultations.
Though Boon in no sense advocated appeasement it clear to me from his remarks he echoing sentiments already expressed to me by NAT diplomats and Netherlands officials that primary concern of NAT countries naturally enough European defense and that even some loss of face at this time in Orient may be necessary to safeguard western civilization. They are most fearful US might take stronger action unilaterally despite assurances to contrary which would bring about all out war in Orient.