501.AA/8–2646: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Acting United States Representative at the United Nations (Johnson)
171. Amdel. The following for your guidance in event Greece or Yugoslavia asks to participate in SC discussion Albanian membership application:
- As a general rule US favors full participation in SC deliberations of all states whose interests are specially affected by question under discussion. In matter of SC consideration membership applications, however, US believes that in general this question is not one in which interests of any one or several members are specially affected; rather it is of interest to all members that applicants meet qualifications set forth Article 4 of Charter. It is for SC and GA to judge each applicant on basis information available.
In present case all Members UN not members of SC were given opportunity on basis Austrialian resolution adopted by Membership [Page 437] Committee Aug 135 to present to that Committee factual information on applicants. Furthermore, we assume any further written communications could be brought to attention SC.
Final decision as to membership rests with GA, thus providing forum for full oral presentation views by all members.
We believe Greek request to participate SC discussion more valid than Yugoslav because of Greek assertion it is still in state of war with Albania but do not wish to support participation of either. US, however, does not feel this question of sufficient importance to take a position in matter. Accordingly, you should go along with general sentiment of Council.36