Office of the Historian

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

Washington, May 21, 1959—8 p.m.

2170. Re possible Indonesian candidacy for President 14th GA (urtel 3466),2 Embassy may use following background information in its discretion: In view fact presidency 1956 and 1958 held by Wan (Thailand) and Malik (Lebanon), respectively, there little likelihood [Page 132] any candidate from Asia would find general acceptance 1959. Under principle rotation among regions normally followed by GA both Latin American and West European may be expected hold presidency before another Asian. Last European presidency was 1954 and last Latin American, 1955. Belaunde (Peru) has been announced candidate election 14th GA President since 12th GA in 1957 when Peru, in interest avoiding conflict that year between Munro (New Zealand) and Malik (Lebanon), decided postpone announced Belaunde candidacy for President 13th GA to 14th session. It therefore likely Belaunde candidacy already has substantial support because of both its long-standing character and circumstances 1957 postponement.

FYI. Among other considerations while Dept following its usual practice has so far made no commitment re 14th GA presidency, assume Embassy aware effect Indonesian position re Chinese representation issue would have on any prospect US support Indonesian candidacy. Embassy’s attention also called CA 9808 pouched May 12.3

End FYI.

Dillon
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 320/5–1659. Confidential. Drafted by Hartley on May 19; initialed by Sisco; cleared by Green, Bacon, Nunley, Ludlow, and Monsma; and approved by Walmsley who signed for Dillon. Repeated to USUN.↩
  2. Telegram 3466, May 16, reported that Indonesia might try to obtain the U.N. General Assembly presidency. (Ibid.)↩
  3. CA–9808 relayed to the Embassy in Djakarta rumors that Indonesia might be a candidate for the General Assembly presidency. (ibid., 320/5–1259)↩