501.AA/3–1248: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin)
147. Replies recd re proposal Deptel 133 March 12 Ital membership application indicate we are justified in proceeding immediately. Will you therefore in concert your French and Brit colleagues make appropriate request in name of the three Dels for immediate Big Five consultation. Dept has no specific instructions re this consultation. You should be guided by our objective this matter which you know. Doubtful [Page 179] if initial request can be limited. Request will almost of necessity have to be request for consultation on “membership”. Most important however, that possible stalling tactics not be allowed to succeed.
We feel request for SC consideration must be made so that it can be considered by SC during week beginning March 29. Every step in this matter should be taken after consultation with and in concert with UK and French Dels. If UK and French prefer when matter is placed on SC agenda to place question of Ital application only rather than Ital and Trans Jordan Dept will have no objection.
Canadian and Bel Dels should be informed going ahead proposed action and their suggestions if any given consideration. Some replies reed not entirely clear with respect to how countries will vote on satellite applications if necessary to do so. Kindly ascertain exact status that point but do not defer request for consultation on that account.