96. Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs (Wilcox) to the Secretary of State1

RE

  • Security Council Election

As you know, we must consider urgently the question of the replacement of Japan on the Security Council. Greece seems clearly out of the picture.2 We have examined three possible candidates, Turkey, Thailand and Jordan. Based on our estimates (copy attached3), we believe that Turkey might be the strongest candidate. However, we do not know whether the Turks would be willing to run, and I believe it would be desirable, after discussing this matter with Lloyd and Couve, for you to see the Turkish Foreign Minister as soon as your schedule permits with a view to encouraging him to put forward Turkey’s candidacy for the Security Council.

In doing so, I would suggest that you make clear to him that we do not anticipate an easy fight, but that the US is prepared to give the Turkish Government all feasible support in order to achieve Turkey’s election.

Should Turkey be unwilling to enter the race, I believe we should next sound out Thailand.4

  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 330/9–1759. Confidential. Drafted by Sisco and initialed by Wilcox and Parsons. A note on the source text indicates that Herter saw it.
  2. Telegram 658 from Athens, September 4, advised that Greece probably did not wish to assume Japan’s seat. (ibid., 320/9–459) Gadel 4, September 16, informed the USUN that Greece had decided not to run for the Security Council, and instructed the Mission to consult with the British Delegation to determine whether Jordan, Thailand, Turkey, or another friendly U.N. member would have the best chance to win against Poland. (ibid., 320/9–1659)
  3. Not found.
  4. Memoranda of Herter’s September 18 conversation with Lloyd and Couve de Murville and of his September 22 conversation with Turkish Foreign Minister Zorlu are in Washington National Records Center, RG 59, Conference Files: FRC 83–0068, CF 1476.