330/5–1054: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Netherlands (Matthews) to the Department of State1
1216. Reference USUN telegram to Department 678 repeated The Hague 2. I hope Department will inform Dutch as soon as possible that we will support Van Kleffens for presidency Ninth GA as recommended point two reference telegram.
Department will recall that shortly before Eighth Assembly Dutch inquired whether we would be able support Van Kleffens, but we were already committed support Madame Pandit. Dutch at that time expressed hope we would bear in mind fact Western Europe has not had president GA since Spaak and would not commit ourselves for Ninth GA before Western Europe had opportunity offer candidate.
Embassy has been told by UN section Foreign Office that Dutch in addition support from Western European countries probably can count on Mexico, Peru, and several other Latin American countries. They are also hopeful receiving Pakistan’s backing. Foreign Office appears confident US endorsement candidacy.
I hope we give strong support to Van Kleffens and I think it is important we not minimize good effect such action by delaying announcement.
- Passed by the Department to New York on May 10, 8 p.m.↩