6

The proposed adjournment was supported by Mr Masaryk (Czechoslovakia) and by Mr Fraser (New Zealand) who, explaining that his reasons not only varied from but were opposed to those mentioned by Mr Gromyko, asked for practical application of the principle of " equitable geographical distribution " laid down in the Charter. Mr. Fraser said—"l.ask time for delegates to consider whether the important problems of the Pacific can possibly be adequately provided for,, and the dangers that will arise there can be handled, without a voice on the Security Council from the South and South-west Pacific. " I am asking for time for the delegates to consider whether Australia, a country that is a continent, that is a candidate, should' not be considered. I am not going to canvass or ask any one tovote for Australia or any other country I am interested in, but I am going to ask for time for reflection and consideration; for a study of the conditions, and of the map; and for delegates to' ask themselves, should not the principle of equitable geographicaldistribution be considered." The motion was, defeated. Mr Gromyko (Soviet Union) then asked for discussion of claims of the various candidates, and Mr Manuilsky suggested that New Zealand should be the Council member for the Pacific region. Mr Fraser said that New Zealand was not a candidate, but re-emphasized that there should be some member from the South Pacific and that the obvious choice was Australia. On the first ballot, five States obtained the required two-thirds majority:— Brazil Poland Egypt Netherlands. Mexico The next two candidates were Canada with 33 and Australia with 28 votes. On the second ballot Australia received 27, Canada 23 votes; and on the third Australia 28, Canada 23. The required two-thirds majority was not attained. Before another ballot could be held, Mr St. Laurent of Canadamade the following statement:— " The Members of the Canadian delegation fully realize how embarrassing it must be to their fellow-delegates to go on balloting between two of the Dominions of the Commonwealth, with each of which they have always had such cordial and mutually satisfactory relations. I would therefore beg leave, MrPresident, to propose that no further ballots be taken buf that the election of Australia to the Security Council as the sixth non-permanent member thereof be made unanimous." The Assembly acted on the above advice, and in the final ballot Australia was elected.