UNP files, lot 59 D 237, “Slates”
Memorandum by the Acting Director of the Office of the United Nations Political and Security Affairs (Popper) to the Assistant Secretary of State for United Nations Affairs (Key)
- Subject:
- UN Security Council Elections
Miss Salt of the British Embassy has informed Mr. Allen (EUR) that the Belgians have indicated to the British their desire to be elected to Denmark’s Security Council seat at the Ninth Assembly. The Belgians stated that Sweden is also interested in this seat, although it has made no decision, and asked the UK to dissuade the Swedes from running. The UK, however, believes that this is a matter for Belgium and Sweden to decide and does not wish to intervene.
One of the non-permanent seats on the Security Council has always been allocated to Western Europe, and it has been the normal practice for the Benelux and Scandinavian countries to rotate this seat. On this basis it would be Belgium’s turn. However, Sweden has never been elected to the Council whereas Belgium has already served one term. For this reason the British Foreign Office seems inclined to be more sympathetic to Sweden, although it will support whichever country decides to run.
As far as “cold war” issues are concerned, we could probably count on 8 favorable votes next year (US, China, France, UK, Turkey, Brazil, New Zealand, and a Latin American country to be elected this fall) even if Sweden were elected. However, Sweden recognizes the Chinese Communist regime and sides with the USSR on the Chinese representation issue, whereas Belgium does not recognize the Communists and has supported the “moratorium” position in the UN. While we cannot predict Belgium’s position in the future, since this will depend in large part upon the position of the UK and France, we would at least have a better chance of obtaining support from Belgium than from Sweden on the question of Chinese representation.
It has been the practice for the Europeans to agree among themselves on a candidate for the Western European seat. However, in view of the importance of obtaining as safe a margin as possible on the Chinese representation issue, it seems to us that we should take steps this year to stimulate Belgium’s candidacy. The matter would have to be handled carefully, since interference on our part might be resented and prove counterproductive. Perhaps the best procedure would be to discuss the matter informally with the British. We could say that while the choice of a European candidate is a matter for the Europeans to decide, the Department has assumed that Belgium would be the European candidate in view of the past practice of rotating this seat [Page 522] between the Scandinavian and Benelux countries. We could take this same line if other Europeans approach us, including either the Belgians or Swedes.
If you agree with this approach, we will try to obtain clearance with the other bureaus concerned.