501.AA/8–746: Telegram

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

secret

156. Our attitude toward Siamese application as expressed in our 105 and 114 to you55 remains substantially the same.

We have since received word from Bangkok (Legtel 908 of August 6 which has been forwarded to you) that Siamese Cabinet has considered French proposals for reference of validity of 1941 Treaty to Court (Deptel 642 to Bangkok, August 1, which has been forwarded to you) has decided to agree to proposals in principle and has given delegation broad powers to seek agreement along these lines. While the question of withdrawing complaint from SC is left in “abeyance” by the Siamese until delegation has had time to discuss this with Dept and with French, and although the French have indicated to us they may make additional proposals, we feel Siamese have thus given additional evidence of willingness to reach pacific settlement. You ma in your discretion mention this to the French in supplementing talk with them contemplated in our 114 to you.

In connection consideration Siam’s application by Membership Committee it is suggested that initial expression of our attitude be limited to short statement that we consider Siam qualified for membership, avoiding for the present, if possible, any involvement in discussion regarding relevance of complaint submitted to SC by Siam on July 15.56 Sent New York. Repeated to Paris for information.

Acheson
  1. Dated June 22 and June 28, respectively, pp. 1026 and 1029.
  2. See telegram 424, July 16, 12:05 p.m., from New York, p. 1032.