Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, United Nations and General International Matters, Volume II

146. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Korea¹

Washington, August 8, 1960—4:59 p.m.

115. Seoul 131 info USUN 2.²GA session scheduled open September 20. Agree desirability in view problem preparation faced by newly organized government that debate on Korean item not come up too soon. Although impossible at this time determine how far back in agenda item can be moved, you may assure Foreign Ministry Department understands problem and certainly will endeavor be helpful.

Re membership, 8 African states and Cyprus scheduled attain independence by August 17. On basis recent practice anticipate SC meeting recommend membership these nine may be held shortly thereafter which date too early best interests ROK application. Department currently disposed think Korean (and Vietnam) membership application might best be raised again SC when Nigerian application considered. (Nigeria scheduled become independent October 1.) By this time new ROK Government been functioning some weeks under new constitution which would provide new grounds for urging SC reconsideration and favorable recommendation. Moreover with GA in session, SC debate would attract wider attention, particularly among new membership, than discussion earlier. However, should USSR raise question Outer Mongolia in SC prior October, Department might wish raise ROK and Vietnam applications.

Whether following anticipated Soviet veto in SC, resolution re ROK membership should be introduced GA will in Department’s view depend on assessment at time of likely GA reaction, particularly with respect possible Soviet or “neutralists” move involving Outer Mongolia, north Korea, and north Vietnam. While SC vote not likely be nearly as favorable ROK as heretofore (1958 vote 9–1–1)³ view present composition SC (USSR, Poland negative; Ceylon, Tunisia abstention) nevertheless seven votes required to make Soviet negative vote constitute veto appear assured. However, situation less clear in GA where new members, having just been admitted themselves, might well be inclined join substantial number other A-A’s in endorsing resolution of type narrowly defeated in 1957 lumping together all pending applications(Vietnam, ROK, north Korea, north Vietnam, and Outer Mongolia).⁴ Such GA action clearly not in either ROK or free world interest. As possible alternative to resolution, Department has in mind statements in GA plenary deploring SC’s failure act affirmatively on ROK (and Vietnam) application.

Embassy should discuss matter in above sense Foreign Minstry and report reaction.⁵

Herter

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 320/8–260. Confidential. Drafted by Jones and Hartley on August 5; initialed by Cargo and Sisco; cleared with Bacon and Manhard; and approved by Wallner who signed for Herter. Repeated by pouch to USUN.
2. Dated August 2, this telegram requested confirmation of the 15th General Assembly opening date, stated that the Korean Government hoped the item on Korea would not be considered at the beginning of the session, and requested guidance on how to handle the question of Korean admission into the United Nations. (Ibid.)
3. Regarding this vote, see Document 55.
4. Regarding this draft resolution, see footnote 3, Document 27.
5. Telegram 188 from Seoul, August 13, reported that the Korean Government agreed with the views outlined in this telegram, but was becoming impatient with the exercise of requesting U.N. membership, only to be denied it by a Soviet veto. (Department of State, Central Files, 320/8–1360)