Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, United Nations Affairs, Volume III

320.22/10–2153: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Mission at the United Nations¹

confidential
priority

Washington, October 21, 1953—12:55 p.m.

Gadel 36. Re ILC election:

1. Department recommends US vote for ten individuals listed recommendation 1 position paper US/A/3603. (We have considered Thai oral request US support Khoman but believe we should stand by original position in favor Thein (Burma) who in our view is more qualified. We have concluded Burma’s position on Chinese representation not compelling factor this particular case. ILC is not composed of government representatives but is body of individuals elected by GA and is not competent decide own composition except in case of vacancy. Any effort raise Chinese representation issue in ILC is thus clearly out of order, as Commission has twice decided in past, and it is our estimate majority on US slate would support such ruling.)

2. You should vote for four Latin American candidates which have majority Latin American support. However, if Guatemala is Latin American choice, request you consult Department.

3. Although you should not campaign against USSR national you should not vote for him but abstain.

Dulles

1. Drafted by Paul W. Jones of the Office of UN Political and Security Affairs and concurred in by the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for UN Political Affairs (Sandifer), cleared with the geographic bureaus and the Assistant Legal Adviser for UN Affairs (L/UNA), approved for transmission by the Deputy Director of the Office of UN Political and Security Affairs (Popper), and signed by the Assistant Secretary of State for UN Affairs (Murphy).