501.AA/12–646: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Acting United States Representative at the United Nations (Johnson)

confidential

309. USdel. In connection with telegram No. 305 dated December 5, Department believes that the position you take with respect to the timing of a decision by the Council on the Siamese application should be guided by wishes of Siamese delegation and your opinion as to the most opportune moment for favorable action.

Prince Wan informed Kenneth Landon of SEA56 on December 2nd that he was prepared to ask the Council to defer consideration of the Siamese application should this be necessary to avoid a Russian veto at the present time. He stated further that he was prepared to do this because of his confidence that the Russians would, in due course, withdraw any opposition they may now have to Siamese application.

We do not wish to do anything which would embarrass or prejudice Siamese opportunity to become a member of U.N. Accordingly, unless Prince Wan wishes, US should not press for immediate SC consideration if it is anticipated that admission will be blocked by a veto.

If we receive further information re Russian recognition of Siam, we will inform you immediately by telephone.

Acheson
  1. The Assistant Chief of the Division of Southeast Asian Affairs.