751G.00/1–2751: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Legation at Saigon

secret

1071. 1. Dept notes report Saigon’s 1320 Jan 27 repeated Paris 5831 that Huu believes application Assoc States for UN membership will be ready this month. In view Sov veto in SC no possibility admission Assoc States exists and only practical question is polit effect of UN discussion and vote now. Effect might be favorable if discussion revealed that Sovs were only opponent Assoc States’ aspirations. On other hand, effect decidedly adverse to interests Assoc States and France if discussion demonstrated as it probably wld, that Asian states were skeptical of Assoc States independence and that many other countries were lukewarm in support.

2. Applications wld come first to SC, where wld probably be referred to Membership Comite. On basis past cases, seems likely pointed questions wld be directed to Govts of Assoc States and France in Comite concerning actual degree of independence. Matter cld be brought later to GA in effort secure ⅔ majority for request that SC reconsider and declaration that Assoc States meet Charter qualifications. In Membership Comite, SC and GA opponents wld utilize occasion for hostile propaganda.

3. Attitude most SC members not yet indicated. Only 6 SC members have recognized one or more Assoc States: Brazil, Ecuador, France, Neth, UK and US. All these might vote favorably although strength their support uncertain. On other hand, Yugo and USSR have recognized Ho’s regime. India has made strong reservations about Assoc States and wld probably vote negatively or at best abstain. Turkey and China might support. Many neighboring Asian states wld seriously question present readiness of Assoc States for Membership and wld probably abstain or vote adversely if matter came to GA. Attitude of Commonwealth not definitely known; Net effect submittal membership applications at this juncture wld, therefore, probably be provide opponents with propaganda opportunity against Assoc States and Fr, tend crystallize opposition India and other Asian States, and display lack solidarity support non-Communist world generally.

4. Both the Assoc States and Fr are well aware of US support in many ways for development participation Assoc States In internatl affairs. For example, we have fully supported Fr lead in sponsoring their admission specialized agencies.

5. We assume both Fr and Assoc States will agree that effect on their own interests of presentation membership applications will be adverse unless they receive solid support of non-Communist, particularly [Page 383] Asian states. Therefore, assume such step will not be taken until Assoc States and Fr have received advanced assurances gen support of UN members.

6. If matter is again broached by Vietnam auths you may point out substance of above.

7. Paris shld bring our views to attention FonOff if Fr raise matter. Sent to AmLegation Saigon 1071, AmEmbassy Paris 4323; rptd info USUN New York 717.

Acheson
  1. Not printed.