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

92. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Vietnam¹

Washington, September 8, 1959—8:02 p.m.

466. While US of course strongly supports Vietnam membership, there is no membership item on 14th GA provisional agenda and Dept does not anticipate any new applications during 14th session. Dept therefore does not consider desirable press for reconsideration VN and ROK applications 14th GA in absence any indication of change in Soviet position, and has so informed ROK in response its request US raise matter (urtel 721²). However, US prepared, as in case ROK, raise matter again when new applications next considered (Togoland, Cameroun, Nigeria and Somaliland scheduled become independent during 1960) if VN then desires and in absence unforeseen developments making such move contrary our mutual interests.

Dillon

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 310.2/9–459. Confidential. Drafted by Hartley; initialed by Cargo; cleared by Bacon and in substance with SEA; and approved by Wallner who signed for Dillon. Repeated to USUN and Seoul.
2. Telegram 721, September 4, reported that the Secretary-General of the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry had asked if the United States intended to raise at the 14th General Assembly the issue of Vietnamese admission to the United Nations. (Ibid.)