Executive Secretariat Files

Briefing Book Paper

Composition of the Security Council

Present Proposal

The Dumbarton Oaks Proposals provide that the Security Council should be composed of eleven members, of which the United States, Great Britain, the Soviet Union, China and, in due course, France, would have permanent seats. Six other states would be elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms, which states would not be immediately eligible for reelection.

Changed Status of France

The condition attached to French tenure of a permanent seat has been met by virtue of recognition of the French Provisional Government, of that Government’s having become a full member of the European Advisory Commission, and of its having signed the United Nations Declaration. The other permanent members should, accordingly, reach prompt agreement that hereafter they will treat France as one of the powers sponsoring the Dumbarton Oaks Proposals if France so desires.

Possibility of Other Governments Proposing Changes

It is not believed that the Soviet Union will raise questions about the present Proposals for the composition of the Security Council.

It is considered more likely that Great Britain may advance recommended changes in the present Proposals which would recognize the right of the medium-sized powers to something akin to semi-permanent seats, based on their greater ability to assist in the maintenance of international peace and security through military action. It is believed that any such proposal should be resisted.