310.2/8–1552
Memorandum of Conversation, by Franklin Hatoley of the Office of Northeast Asian Affairs
- Subject:
- Japan’s Entry into United Nations
- Participants:
- Mr. Kamimura, Minister, Embassy of Japan
- Mr. John D. Hickerson, Asst. Secretary for United Nations Affairs
- Mr. U. Alexis Johnson, FE
- Mr. Franklin Hawley, NA
Minister Shinichi Kamimura, representing Ambassador Eikichi Araki, called on Mr. Hickerson at 10: 30 this morning to discuss problems connected with Japan’s pending application for entry into the United Nations. The appointment for this meeting had been arranged by Mr. Johnson following Mr. Kamimura’s call yesterday.
Mr. Kamimura opened the conversation by asking what decision had been made by the United States to sponsor Japan’s application when the Security Council meets on September 2nd. Mr. Hickerson stated that the American position continued to be that of giving warm support to Japan and that the United States would do everything within its power to secure Japan’s admission. He added that the problem of Japan’s entry was complicated by a two-year stalemate due to American opposition to a Russian package proposal; it was the firm conviction of the United States that the application of each country should be supported on its own merits and voted on separately and individually. He reminded Mr. Kamimura that the Soviet Union had consistently vetoed the applications of the nine countries supported by [Page 842] the United States and that while we did not definitely know what the Russian attitude would be, it might be expected that Russia would veto consideration in the Security Council of Japan’s application. Further, while it could not be foretold whether Russia would include Japan in its package list, the United States proposed to counter such a possibility and to take the iniative by introducing at the earliest opportunity a resolution by which the Japanese application would be considered singly and as a separate item. Mr. Hickerson emphasized that this proposal was still under consideration, that we would need to secure the support of our friends on the Council, and that we would like to have the views of Japan. Mr. Kamimura said that it could safely be said that his country would warmly welcome such a step as it would show the interest and initiative taken by the United States and assure the Japanese Government and people of the support of the United States. He continued by saying that the Japanese Government was concerned lest the United States be put in the position of opposing Japanese membership through American opposition to a Soviet-supported package plan in which Japan might be included. Mr. Kamimura stated that he realized the delicacy of the problem, but wanted to know whether the United States could support the package proposal in the event that through negotiations with the Soviets some of the objectionable countries could be eliminated from the Soviet slate. Mr. Hickerson stated that no more could be said than that it would have to be an entirely different package, and that if we could bring ourselves to approve a package it would only be a package in which Japan was included. He stated again that no final decision had been made. Mr. Kamimura indicated his understanding of the United States’ position but added that so far as his country was concerned it was interested only in gaining admission into the United Nations, either alone or in association with other countries. Mr. Hickerson ended by saying that he would be away for a few weeks, including the date of September 2nd, but that his Deputy, Mr. Sandifer, would inform the Embassy of the course decided on by the United States.