UNP files, lot 59 D 237, “Slates”
The Assistant Secretary of State for United Nations Affairs (Key) to the United States Representative at the United Nations (Lodge)
Dear Cabot: As you know, the Netherlands Government has formally announced the candidacy of Dr. Van Kleffens, Netherlands Minister to Portugal, for the Presidency of the Ninth Session of the General Assembly. I think we should seriously consider reaching a prompt decision to support him and so advising the Netherlands Government.
Van Kleffens has been very friendly to the United States. (He was Netherlands Ambassador here from 1947 to 1950.) He is an able man and well qualified for the Presidency. As Chairman of the Netherlands Delegation at the San Francisco Conference and as their Permanent Representative to the United Nations in 1946 and 1947, he has had valuable experience with the United Nations.
Moreover, it is time for a European to be elected. The last time there was a European President was in 1946, when Spaak of Belgium held the office. We understand that the UK, France and Benelux countries have agreed to support Van Kleffens. To our knowledge there are no other candidates.
While it has not been our general practice to make a decision so far in advance of the Assembly, I think the circumstances of this case justify an early commitment. If we make a commitment now and Van Kleffens’ candidacy gains sufficient momentum, this might discourage the development of other candidacies and thus help avoid a difficult situation later.
I wish to sound out the regional bureaus in the Department on this matter but before doing so I would appreciate receiving your views.
Sincerely yours,