UNP files, lot 59 D 237, “Slates”

Memorandum of Conversation, by the Special Assistant on United Nations Affairs, Bureau of European Affairs (Allen)

official use only
  • Subject:
  • Candidacy of M. de Visscher for election to ICJ

In response to M. Carlier’s previous inquiries, I advised him today that the US has decided we are unable to support M. de Visscher this year since we feel compelled to vote for the UK, the French and three Latin American candidates. I stressed that this was a matter of real regret to us in view of our high regard for M. de Visscher. I stated we would give most sympathetic consideration to his candidacy for the next vacancy that occurs through termination of term, death or resignation.

M. Carlier, thanking me for the information, expressed no surprise and agreed as to the difficulty of M. de Visscher’s election, even if we had been able to vote for him, in view of the strength of the Latin American voting bloc.