Office of the Historian

175. Telegram From the Department of State to the Mission at the United Nations1

Washington, September 19, 1960—8:17 p.m.

441. Re Admission New Members. View confused situation re Mali Federation Dept believes GA consideration its application should be postponed. While it possible admit Soudan as Mali Federation if Soudan chooses continue call itself by this name, it would be necessary in present situation make clear general understanding, including that US, of what territory exactly Mali Federation is comprised. Such expression understanding clearly not feasible or desirable at this juncture when question recognition Senegal as separate state still unresolved by most members, including US.

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After consultation with French Delegation, USGADel should therefore seek have A-A member or members propose postponement GA consideration this application pending clarification situation. Should postponement motion fail USGADel should abstain on question admission.

Re Congo (ex-Belgian), USGADel should vote for admission unless African initiative for postponement develops which has general and strong African support and is acceptable SYG. Representation question obviously presents difficulties. In these circumstances, we would wish question of representation deferred, perhaps by referring question Credentials Committee for its consideration. We not aware whether ceremony planned includes speeches by new members. Believe you should discuss this matter with SYG soonest. We would not, of course, if present confusion continues and assuming Congo is admitted, wish have any Congolese representative seated tomorrow or make ceremonial statement. If vote cannot be avoided on question representation we assume consistent with past instructions USGADel would vote in favor Bomboko.

Dillon
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 303/9–1960. Confidential; Priority. Drafted by Hartley; initialed by Sisco; cleared by McBride, Brown, Nunley, Ludlow, Monsma, AF, L/UNA, and FE, and approved by Wallner who signed for Dillon. Repeated to Dakar, Leopoldville, Bamako, Paris, and Brussels.↩