310.2/8–1952: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Mission at the United Nations1
89. After reading ur tel 161, Aug 19 Dept is somewhat concerned lest some misunderstanding about the possibility of Ger membership in UN may have been created by Deptel 77 Aug 15. Latter msg stated under point (1) that “We have general obligation to support Germany for membership in international orgs.” This statement shld in fact be somewhat qualified. Ever since Tripartite For Min Mtg at Paris in Nov 1949 it has been Tripartite policy to advance Ger membership in selected internatl orgs. In early stages these were primarily econ in character but some cases of political orgs cld also be cited, such as Council of Eur. However, we undertook no general obligation at that time or since and we have retained complete right of choice and decision as to type of org and time of support.
More recently, there has been inserted in gen conv sgd with Ger a provision in Art 3 para 2 pledging the three powers to support “at appropriate times” applications by the Fed Rep for membership in international orgs contributing to the common aims of the free world. Even this commitment is not a blanket obligation to support Ger membership at any time. In any event it does not become effective as a commitment until contr agmts are ratified which can scarcely be before the beginning of 1953.
We do not therefore wish create impression we are at this time suggesting Germany’s admission. However, in light strong inclination many members to favor Sov proposal, one purpose Deptel 77 was call attention other dels fact that Sov proposal leaves out several countries including Germany which deserve consideration as part of membership problem as whole. This is in addition to our basic objections Sov proposal.
- Drafted by Perry Laukhuff, Special Assistant to the Director, Office of German Political Affairs (Morris), and concurred in by Morris; cleared with Ward P. Allen, UN Adviser, Bureau of European Affairs, and David H. Popper, Office of UN Political and Security Affairs; and signed by Laukhuff.↩