130. Telegram From the Department of State to the Mission at the United Nations1
679. Re: Security Council seat for Chile. Dept happy note Chile candidate for Security Council seat Cuba now seeking obtain (urtel 7232). Dept also pleased Chilean candidacy according Chilean rep advanced two months ahead Cuban candidacy. Dept hopes Chile will maintain candidacy and actively seek this post since our best hope avoiding election Cuba is strong rival candidacy. Best development now would appear be early LA caucus decision support Chile. Dept notes some LA delegations concerned LA might lose seat to other area if Cuba were maintain candidacy while caucus supported Chile. Dept hopes this concern would not lead LA decide would be better support Cuba as caucus choice rather than run danger losing seat. Dept would also hope that no tacit understanding develops that Cuba succeed Ecuador in 1961 election.
Dept concurs your judgment US should not raise matter in LA capitals at this time and that decision on this should await further reaction LA reps. Dept however sending background circular for use Embassies in LA if matter raised with them.3 Dept would appreciate [Page 229] continuing reporting this important issue and any recommendations Mission may have.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 320/2–860. Confidential. Drafted by Monsma and Hartley on February 10; initialed by Cargo and Sisco; cleared by Wieland, Silberstein, and Rubottom; and approved by Wallner who signed for Herter.↩
- Telegram 723, February 8, reported the Latin American delegations’ reactions to Cuba’s and Chile’s candidacies. (Ibid.)↩
- Not found.↩