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DCER : Volume #12 - 398.DEA/211-C :

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Volume #12 - 398.
CHAPTER VIII UNITED NATIONS
PART 2 ELECTIONS
SECTION C SECURITY COUNCIL AND ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL
398.	DEA/211-C
High Commissioner in Great Britain to Secretary of State for External Affairs
TELEGRAM 85 IMMEDIATE.	London, January 9th, 1946

IMMEDIATE. ASDEL No. 7. Following from Wrong, Begins: 1. Electioneering is going strong, with elections to the Council probably on Saturday morning. There is said to be an understanding between Latin American and Arab groups for a joint slate. 2. At Commonwealth meeting this afternoon we were pressed not to stand for Economic and Social Council to clear way for election of Australia, India and New Zealand. Fraser refused to stand down but South Africa withdrew. There is prevalent a feeling that States elected to Security Council should not be elected to Economic and Social Council. We did not withdraw and at present have support of United States for two or three year term. We took line that our record and interest in international economic affairs and organization made us an obvious choice. This pressure to withdraw will probably continue, and if we are chosen for Security Council we may not get enough votes for Economic and Social Council. Our membership of Atomic Commission is also cited as a reason against election to Economic and Social Council. 3. Australian delegation has been instructed to press for their election to Security Council and say they cannot withdraw. Since only one Dominion can be chosen they may cut into our vote, but we should get through. 4. The "functional principle" may be accepted in theory, but in electoral practice it will mainly be honoured in the breach. The Commonwealth group is generally regarded, not only by foreign countries, but also by other Commonwealth members, as one bloc to be represented by rotation in the same class as the Latin American, Arab and other blocs. 5. There is serious talk, especially from United States delegation, of a Canadian Secretary-General, probably Pearson. We may soon have to consult you urgently on this. Ends.
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