740.00119 Council/7–346: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Secretary of State, at Paris
u.s. urgent
3276. Secdel 412. Herschel Johnson has been having informal conversations with Cadogan New York on UN membership (reference [Page 409] Delsec 660). You will recall some time ago approving program our supporting all neutrals except Spain, Siam, Italy and Austria and reluctantly to vote for Albania if good part of above program could be accomplished. British appeared to differ on Italy, Austria and Albania but Cadogan has been without definite instructions.
Our original program amended since your departure in following respects:
- A.
- If Italy and Austria proposed and Soviets countered with satellites we would have to accept satellites.
- B.
- Siam qualified to extent that she concurrently submit whole territorial dispute with France to UN agreeing in advance to accept obligations of pacific settlement including agreement in advance to carry out decision of UN but in any event would vote for if British do.
- C.
- If we are pressed we could vote for Outer Mongolia which has submitted an application.
- D.
- If necessary in order to obtain admission of only one or two eminently eligible states such as Sweden or Iceland we would very reluctantly vote for Albania.
We had intended authorize Johnson discuss question informally other permanent members in effort to ascertain if vetoes must be expected on specific applications in view of indication that states like Portugal would like to apply but are holding back because of fear of veto. Johnson authorized to talk with Gromyko and did so personal basis. Results inconclusive but Gromyko apparently agreed with principle that applications be considered on individual merits. Also he indicated no hostility towards neutrals nor did he give any indication neutral applications would be tied with other applications. Gromyko did give clear indication that if Italy and Austria were proposed Soviets would press for satellites. He also clearly indicated official Soviet position on any country would be withheld until matter before council. Under circumstances we feel nothing to be gained by further informal talks in New York.
We are paralleling British action Sweden, Portugal and Iceland but feel unwise to do so with Eire on which our position has been to vote favorably but not to take initiative.