283. Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State1

2245. Enlargement of Councils.

1.
From number of sources in all groups we get impression there now enough support pass res for increase of two in SC and six in ECOSOC. All LAs and Eurs lined up. Asians held what is as far as we can determine first Asian group meeting today to discuss increase. Natwar Singh (India) informs us his del and as far as he knows other Asian dels all ready to support two and six formula as long as one seat set aside for Asia. Essafi (Tunisia) and Ben Hima (Morocco) report Africans have decided accept two and six formula as long as two seats set aside for Africa. Tunisia and Algeria wish to qualify for African seat while Morocco hopes maintain Middle East seat which would run from Morocco to Iran; on latter point, Ben Hima says Morocco will not insist.
2.
Moves for larger increases in Council do not appear have much chance of success. Campbell (UK) says Dean told Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand Ambs last night that although UK would of course consider their proposal for increase of four in SC, he doubted strongly London would agree to this proposal since UK convinced West problems become more difficult with every increase. Mission Off again spoke with Canadian, New Zealand, and Australian Dels, showing them our calculations whereby each increase adds to our problems in SC. We see no sign today that as yet old Commonwealth waging major battle for their proposal. Quaison-Sackey (Ghana) quite separately has told us he desires see increase of three in SC with extra seat going to Commonwealth. However, he not sanguine about prospects for his proposal.
3.
So far, Sov Bloc Dels keeping very quiet on enlargement except to pass word Communist China being consulted on increase.
4.
Principal problem remaining seems to be whether and how to record distribution of SC seats following increase. Brazilians are shying away from recording distribution in formal res and thereby are making other dels wonder whether they have double play in mind. After talking to Correa da Costa (Brazil), we are convinced they have just not thought problem through. We suggested to them it essential work out means of recording distribution at same time res negotiated.
5.
SPC has adjourned until Mon2 PM in order give time for groups to work out agreement.
Plimpton
  1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1960–63, UN 8 SC. Confidential.
  2. December 2.