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

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

Washington, September 17, 1958—7:10 p.m.

102. ROK admission UN not inscribed agenda 13th UNGA. Suggest therefore you discuss question ROK membership UN with ROKG as follows:

US continues firmly committed support admission ROK to UN and regards it politically important keep before public and place on record ROK’s continued desire admission.

We believe, considering all factors, this purpose best served by next raising matter Security Council. Question timing can be adjusted with view obtaining maximum attention item and allowing necessary diplomatic preparatory work.

Above method preferable in our view to raising question formally 13th GA. Since any move in GA would spark Soviet counter move behalf North Korea, advisable consider whether outcome might serve enhance prestige North Korean regime. Close vote (37 against, 33 for, 10 abstentions) at 12th GA on India. Indonesian draft resolution requesting SC “consider all applications” including North Korea indicates scope of effort required try hold line against losses. In view fact membership question not now on agenda absence any indication change Soviet position which alone prevents ROK admission, reaction many countries to placing question on agenda likely be unfavorable as involving GA in repetitious and acrimonious debate without hope furthering solution problem. Thus psychologically important not raise question in GA with too great frequency. We shall certainly wish consider with ROK next year whether questions should be raised in GA. Meanwhile substantial affirmative vote (51 for, 9 against, 21 abstentions) at 12th GA endorsing ROK application² can continue be cited.

Department has had no indication renewed North Korean activity respect its application but would of course take appropriate steps counter such activity or any similar Soviet moves should these develop.

Report ROK reaction.

Herter

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 310.2/9–1758. Confidential. Drafted by FE/NA and Hartley, cleared by Bacon and Nunley, and approved by Walmsley who signed for Herter. Repeated by pouch to USUN.
2. Reference is to U.N. General Assembly Resolution 1144A (XII). For text, see U.N. doc. A3805. For a record of the debate and the vote on this resolution, see U.N. doc.APV.709.