Location of the permanent headquarters was discussed by the
Executive Committee today. In view of the supreme importance of
our interest in the Pacific I spoke in support of San Francisco as
against Geneva, but made a positive case for the former rather
than attacking the latter. I pointed to the practical advantages
of San Francisco in affording facilities for permanent
headquarters and stressed the value of a site located in an
atmosphere of freedom, optimism and progressive outlook. The work
well begun at San Francisco should be continued there.

Several other Delegates, including China and the Soviet Union,
presented strong views in favour of a site within the United
States. The chief champions of Geneva or some other site in Europe
were the United Kingdom and France. At the present stage, the
matter had to go to a vote as between a site in the United States
and a site in Europe. The proposal for Europe was defeated by
seven against three with four abstentions. The proposal for the
United States was adopted by nine votes against three with two
abstentions. The United States abstained on both votes although
Stettinius stated beforehand that his Government would be pleased
to accede to the request of the majority. The minority was
composed of the United Kingdom, France and the Netherlands.

Opportunity for discussing the particular site within the United
States will arise later.