330/8–3153: Telegram
The United States Representative at the United Nations (Lodge) to the Department of State
137. Re Turkish candidacy for Security Council:
Crosthwaite and Ramsbotham (UK delegation) today informed Wadsworth of preliminary UK views regarding successor of Greece on Security Council. They said views are to let “nature take its course” as they understand US intends to do in connection with Prince Wan–Madame Pandit candidacies for president of 8th General Assembly and thus to permit Soviet-designated satellite to succeed Greece.
As reasons, they adduced belief that no unnecessary obstacles should be placed in path of what may turn out to be a gradually developing Soviet initiative to reduce world tensions. UK believes Soviet initiative should be met by free world no more but no less than half way and that major conflict over Security Council seat may be detrimental to this larger goal. UK also believes that if US decides not to use its great influence against Soviet-satellite candidate, its election would be almost automatic.
As second reason they adverted to well known UK views concerning “gentlemen’s agreement” and principle, which UK does not wish to endanger, of one seat going to British Commonwealth.
[Page 496]Third reason consisted of fear that, even despite possible British support of Turkey, there might still be considerable number Arab-Asian votes, some Latin American votes and few miscellaneous Western Europe votes which would force balloting to go way past 20 ballots necessary in 1951 before Greece was elected. In such situation, UK would be most reluctant again to be on opposite side of fence from US, as it recently was on Indian nomination to membership political conference. UK Foreign Office, they said, attaches high value to avoiding similar splits with US in future. As personal reason, Crosthwaite adduced his recollection of anti-UK resentments engendered in Greece in 1951 during balloting for Security Council. He said UK hopes strongly to avoid creating analogous anti-UK resentments in Turkey.
In light of above UK views, which he stressed as only preliminary Crosthwaite requested that USUN inform his delegation as soon as possible of degree of importance which US attaches to possible Turkish candidacy. He asked that this inquiry be held as strictly confidential.
Wadsworth agreed to seek from Department urgent instructions in regard to UK query and added that, in meantime, he can only say that US undoubtedly will remain strongly opposed to satellite election to Security Council but that US understands Turkey does not wish to press its candidacy unless it receives advance assurances of adequate support.