320/7–1553
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Director of the Office of united Nations Political and Security Affairs (Wainhouse)
- Subject:
- Canadian Views on Madam Pandit’s Candidacy for President of the General Assembly
Mr. Ignatieff informed me that the Canadian Government has informed its High Commissioner in New Delhi that if the Indian Government desires an answer now on Madam Pandit’s candidacy for the General Assembly Presidency it would be “no”. Mr. Ignatieff stated the Canadian Government expressed its hope that two Asian powers would not run as rivals for the Presidency of the General Assembly. (Mr. Ignatieff was undoubtedly referring to Prince Wan’s candidacy for the GA Presidency.)
The Canadian Government stated to its High Commissioner that the Indian Government appears to be entirely too ambitious in its quest for UN offices. Mr. Ignatieff referred to the Indian chairmanship of the NNRC and their quest for the three Council seats, and now the Presidency of the General Assembly. Mr. Ignatieff stated that the Canadian Government felt that maybe if Madam Pandit was given the chairmanship of the Second or Fourth Committee that should be sufficient.