Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, United Nations Affairs, Volume III

310.2/10–654: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Mission at the United Nations¹

secret

Washington, October 6, 1954:—9: 37 a.m.

Gadel 29. Re: Membership. We have been considering means implementing proposal Delga 40. At this stage we are inclined believe best approach would be insert two new paragraphs in preamble resolution on non-member participation.

• First new paragraph which would become opening preambular paragraph would read: “Recalling that the General Assembly in Resolution 296K (IV) requested the states permanent members of the Security Council to refrain from the use of the veto in connection with the recommendation of states for membership in the United Nations.”
• Second new paragraph which would precede last paragraph preamble as presently written would be: “Recognizing that the problem of the admission of new members will require full consideration at a Charter Review Conference so that admission to membership in the United Nations may no longer be blocked by the veto of a permanent member of the Security Council.”

This approach would be combined with strong statement in US membership speech concerning our intention propose at Charter Review Conference removal of veto from membership. Procedure has advantage of minimizing danger that GA might establish undesirable precedent of going on record with specific policy declaration regarding approach to other problems to be dealt with at Charter Review Conference. We would not wish see GA embark on course in this case that might lead to moves for similar declarations regarding Charter review on such contentious issues as matters involving non-self-governing territories or particular Chinese Communist representation on which US position must not be jeopardized.

Suggest USDel consult with key delegations on above basis and report reactions Department.

Dulles

1. Drafted by Brown (UNP) and concurred in by Stein, Officer in Charge, Pacific Settlement Affairs, cleared with the geographic bureaus (except ARA) and the Deputy Under Secretary of State, approved for transmission by Popper, and signed by Assistant Secretary Key.