The Secretary-General of the United Nations has been unable to arrange any suitable replacement for General Burns who was due to leave the Command in September. The Secretary-General is most anxious to persuade General Burns to remain at least until the end of the year. The previous Government had been in communication with the Secretary-General about General Burn's release and with General Burns himself who had been asked to take over in September the position of Canadian Representative on the Disarmament Sub-Committee. I understand from Mr. Léger that you would prefer not to make a decision on this other appointment at this moment. In these circumstances, therefore, it would presumably be desirable that General Burns should accept the Secretary-General's request. The view is strongly held in United Nations circles that the purposes of UNEF can be much better accomplished if General Burns remains in command. We have had representations from the British and other governments to allow General Burns to remain.

2. As General Burns was due to leave next month the Secretary-General is most anxious to know the Canadian position on reappointment.⁴⁰ If you agree, I should suggest therefore that we might tell Mr. Hammarskjöld that the Canadian Government would not wish to oppose the re-appointment of General Burns.⁴¹ It may be that General Burns, before taking his decision, would wish to raise with us the question of whether or not the previous proposal for his appointment still stands. If he were to do so, you might wish to give this enquiry further consideration. However, I think it is quite likely that he would agree to the Secretary-General's proposal and the question of his appointment could be deferred for some months.

3. We are being pressed from New York for an indication of our attitude on this matter and I should be grateful if you could let me know if possible what reply to give before the week-end.

J.W. H[OLMES]

⁴⁰Note marginale:/Marginal note:
Please draft reply accordingly [J.G. Diefenbaker]

⁴¹Note marginale:/Marginal note:
OK [J.G. DIEFENBAKER]