Assembly 2.

1. Credentials. Your 168 [1] and 169 [2] received and provisional
credentials lodged.

2. Security Council-Note handed to all Delegations this morning.

[3] Adjourned meeting at Dominions Office (see telegram 12645 from
Hodgson [4]) was held late yesterday afternoon. Fraser spoke
strongly on our behalf and bluntly told Addison that the proposed
British selection of Canada would be quite unacceptable to public
opinion in Australia and New Zealand. Hodgson and Fraser both
emphasised Australia's claim on the grounds of war contribution
and representation of Pacific Area. South Africa supported the
selection of Canada and India was neutral. Addison in answer to a
question said that the United Kingdom proposed to support Canada
for both Security and Economic Councils. Despite pressure from
South Africa and New Zealand that Canada should withdraw as a
candidate for the Economic Council if elected [to] the Security
Council, Canada refused to entertain the idea. Towards the end of
the meeting which was protracted and characterised by plain
speaking, Australia and New Zealand had made such a strong case
that Chairman started to seek a compromise. Hodgson replied that
his instructions were so definite that he could not discuss a
compromise.

It was further suggested that Australia and Canada might get
together and reach an understanding between themselves rather than
risk splitting the vote.

Hodgson again replied that he would be prepared to discuss the
question with Canada prior to a further meeting called for by New
Zealand at 9.30 a.m. on Friday though his instructions and own
convictions were so definite that he felt nothing could come from
such discussion and stated that Australia would be a candidate
even if it meant splitting the vote. The upshot was that the
position was left open though since the meeting despite a
statement by the United Kingdom that they would make no
commitment, they have announced today that they are supporting the
candidature of Canada. Subsequent discussions with other Delegates
have encouraged United States hope for Latin American and Arab
support. [5] The Russians have listened sympathetically. They had
previously obtained the impression from the United Kingdom that
Canada was the agreed British Commonwealth candidate.

Elections for the Security Council will probably take place as
early as Saturday.

In paragraph 7 of our 12645 certain lists of candidates were
suggested. The Latin American selection with United States
approval is Peru, Chile, Colombia and Cuba. The United Kingdom is
favouring Egypt for the Security Council rather than Iran as
Representative of the Middle East, but Iran has informed us that
it is still a candidate and requests our support. Otherwise the
position is unchanged. Instructions re voting should reach us by
Saturday morning.

3. General Debate-General Debate on the Preparatory Commission
Report is expected to commence next Monday and it [is] suggested
that we should try to obtain a place on the speaking list about
Wednesday. Among other subjects, it is suggested that-it would be
appropriate to include some statement even if only provisional re
trusteeship in the opening address rather than to wait until
Cabinet can discuss and the Trusteeship Committee meets.