Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, United Nations and General International Matters, Volume II

107. Telegram From the Department of State to the Mission at the United Nations¹

Washington, November 5, 1959—3:02 p.m.

Gadel 86. Re: 15th GA Presidency. For Lodge.

Dept fully aware seriousness problem raised Delga 259² and has given most careful consideration your views. Our past experience with commitments given far in advance elections has not been happy and any departure our usual practice this regard likely create future difficulties for us. On balance, however, we agree seriousness of situation created by Nosek candidacy necessitates our running some risks and thus may necessitate earlier commitment this year. We recognize that early and vigorous launching Nosek candidacy likely result his obtaining sufficient support to prejudice ultimate outcome election in our favor if announcement any West European candidacy long delayed.

At same time we do not believe it practical or desirable attempt to dictate West European choice of candidate or promise our support any West European candidate before it clear he will have support Western Europe.

In these circumstances we believe you should:

1) Again approach British and urge early West European decision on non-Communist candidate for reasons given Delga 259 and Deptel 27.³ You should also indicate Dept prepared support West European choice of candidate outside Soviet bloc and specifically Boland if he is West European choice and is prepared not use his position influence adversely GA action on Chi Rep issue. Same would apply any other West European choice. You should further indicate that you intend make this clear to Aiken.

2) Inform Aiken we prepared support Boland if he West European choice on understanding he will not use his position influence adversely GA action on Chi Rep issue. You should also point out Aiken need for prompt decision re Boland candidacy in view Nosek’s announced candidacy and likelihood it already gaining support.⁴

Herter

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 320/10–2659. Confidential. Drafted by Hartley; initialed by Sisco; cleared by Green, Day, Dreier, Kohler, Parsons, and Ludlow; and approved by Herter.
2. Document 102.
3. Document 81.
4. Delga 360, November 6, recounted Lodge’s discussion with Aiken and Boland regarding the 15th General Assembly presidency. (Department of State, Central Files, 320/11–659) Delga 377, November 9, reported that the Irish Cabinet had agreed to Boland’s candidacy. (ibid., 320/11–959)