Office of the Historian

310/1–1251: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Italy 1

secret
Washington, February 1, 1951—2 p.m.

3297. While agree Italy has interest in substantial number GA matters (urtel 3012, Jan 12) Dept reluctant take initiative in encouraging Italy, at this stage, to ask what wld amount to gen participation GA discussions. Heretofore, requests to participate granted only on ad hoc basis and in instances where non-member especially involved as party or otherwise. Grant gen permission to Italy to participate wld make it difficult reject participation any non-member state in discussion almost any subj, and wld have obvious bearing on membership problem.

Further consideration will be given to matter before next GA. Meanwhile, US will be glad maintain contact with Ital observer and will give sympathetic consideration to any Ital request participate in discussion of matter in which Italy can show some special interest. US will favor inviting Ital rep sit regularly in TC and participate fully, except for right to vote, in all deliberations relating both directly and indirectly to Somaliland.

Acheson
  1. Drafted in the Office of United Nations Political and Security Affairs (UNP) on January 30.↩