330/3–1854: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Mission at the United Nations
422. Re SC Election. British have confidentially informed Department Belgians have indicated desire for Denmark’s SC seat but have stated Sweden also interested. Belgians asked UK to seek dissuade Swedes from running but UK unwilling interfere and believes question which country should run for European seat is matter for Belgium and Sweden to decide.
Neither Belgium nor Sweden has approached us. FYI however, since Sweden recognizes Chinese Commies and supports USSR on Chinese representation issue whereas Belgium does not recognize Commies and presently supports our position on representation, and in view desirability obtaining as safe margin as possible on this issue, Department believes we should take steps stimulate Belgium’s candidacy. End FYI. Accordingly we are informing British Embassy Department favors Belgium and has assumed it would be European candidate this year in view past practice of rotating European seat between Scandinavians and Benelux. Suggest USUN take same line if approached by UK Del.
In conversations with Belgians on other matters, and if SC elections raised by other European Dels, suggest USUN indicate we have assumed Belgium would become candidate since it is Benelux turn and since Netherlands had seat before Denmark. However it is important avoid revealing knowledge of Belgium’s or Sweden’s interest which we obtained through UK.