MOST IMMEDIATE

1. Private and informal meeting of Security Council was held late
yesterday evening in my room to discuss question of recommendation
of Secretary General. [1]

2. Bevin opened discussion by indicating that there were only
three definite candidates in the field, namely, Pearson, Simic and
Bonnet all Ambassadors at Washington and his vote would go to
Pearson. United States strongly supported Pearson, giving full
biographical details.

3. The Soviet Union nominated Simic and France nominated Bonnet.

Qualities of each candidate were indicated by proposers.

4. There was some discussion as to whether there were any other
candidates and proposal was advanced that all the members of the
Assembly be asked whether they desired to nominate any candidate.

It was felt however this would result in complications and delay.

5. The Soviet Union then nominated the Foreign Minister for Poland
[2] as a second candidate, while France added Van Kleffens.

Hodgson then said other names had been mentioned especially Lie of
Norway who was understood to be a candidate, and asked if his or
any other name was to be excluded from consideration.

6. It was agreed that Members of Council should informally seek
views today from other Delegations as to likely candidates, and to
hold another similar meeting on Wednesday. In the meantime five
permanent members were to hold a meeting among themselves.

7. During discussions Brazil and China indicated a vote for
Pearson, Poland for Simic while Mexico did not declare.

8. It may be that Soviet Union are holding Lie as compromise
candidate in event of deadlock, but the indications last night
were clearly that Soviet and Poland decided not to support him.

9. In the meantime Hodgson personally saw Lie yesterday and had a
long conversation with him. He was favourably impressed with Lie
who said definitely he would like the post but had no idea if he
would receive the support of any of the Big Five.

10. I might add my impression is that Pearson will eventually get
eight votes not counting Australia and that the Soviet will refuse
to agree.