Office of the Historian

100. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Indonesia1

Washington, October 15, 1959—7:15 p.m.

525. Depcirtel 397.2 In 25 ballots to date, support for Turkey to succeed Japan on SC remaining firm while that for rival candidate Poland dropping off. Vote on 25th ballot 37 for Turkey and 43 for Poland, whereas Poland received 48 votes to Turkey’s 33 on one ballot in previous day’s voting. Voting will be resumed Monday morning, October 19. Voting by secret ballot and positions being taken Cambodia and Morocco uncertain.

You should immediately approach Foreign Office to urge GADel be instructed support Turkey if not already so doing. Beside reiterating arguments previously suggested reference telegram you should point out: 1) We have no intention withdrawing support from Turkey; 2) Turkey has hard core support sufficient prevent election Poland; 3) Poland already re-elected ECOSOC by this GA and therefore has no justifiable claim election to second major UN Council at this time contrary UN precedents; 4) continued deadlock over SC election will have deleterious effect atmosphere GA and be prejudicial constructive action other items before this GA; and 5) we recognize some countries may have made commitment Poland before Turkish candidacy announced but believe any such commitment fully honored after 25 ballots.

For Amembassy Djakarta: Dept believes this approach desirable unless Embassy perceives serious objections. FYI: Indonesia presumably voting for Poland. End FYI.

For Amembassy Katmandu: FYI: USUN informed by head Nepal Del commitment given Poland before Turkish candidacy announced and that in view present deadlock he requesting new instructions, implying he recommending switch to Turkey. End FYI.

Report reaction USUN priority.3

Herter
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 330/10–1559. Confidential; Priority. Drafted by Hartley; cleared by Green, Ludlow, and Bacon; and approved by Henderson who signed for Herter. Also sent priority to Morocco and Nepal, and repeated to USUN. Similar telegrams were sent to posts in the American Republics, NATO countries, Africa, and Asia. (Telegram 481, October 14, ibid., 330/10–1459; Topol 674, October 14, ibid., 330/10–1359; and telegram 490, October 15, ibid., 330/10–1559)↩
  2. Document 97.↩
  3. Voting resumed on October 19, but was postponed until November 2 after the 31st ballot remained deadlocked with 42 votes for Turkey and 39 for Poland. (Telegram 1227, October 19; Department of State, Central Files, 330/10–1859)↩