Office of the Historian

154. Telegram From the Mission at the United Nations to the Department of State1

New York, November 10, 1955—10 p.m.

Delga 266. For Hoover and Wilcox. Reference: Membership.

1.

Following is revised text Canadian draft GA resolution. Martin informed us late this afternoon that copies have been given to Netherlands, Norway, Brazil, Australia, Peru, New Zealand and Iraq and that all of these delegations have been asked to co-sponsor.

Verbatim text.

“The General Assembly,

Having noted the general sentiment which has been expressed on numerous occasions in favour of universality in the membership of the United Nations,

Having received the preliminary report (A/2973) of the Committee of Good Offices established by the General Assembly resolution 718(VIII) of 23 October 1953,

Taking into account the statements about the admission of new members made by permanent members of the Security Council in the general debate of the present session of the General Assembly,

Believing that a broader representation in the membership of the United Nations will enable the organization to play a more effective role in the current international situation,

1.
Expresses appreciation of the work and efforts of the Committee of Good Offices;
2.
Requests the Security Council to consider in the light of the general opinion in favour of the universality of the United Nations, the pending applications for membership of all those countries about which no problem of unification arises.
3.
Requests further that the Security Council make its report on these applications to the General Assembly during the present session.”

End verbatim text.

2.
Dixon opened by saying to Martin that he had called meeting since he gathered Martin was moving ahead. Martin then explained his draft resolution, saying that it was an improved draft based on universality.
3.
Dixon explained UK’s hand forced on membership question by Ceylonese and he cited hostile press in Ceylon accusing UK paying only lip service to membership question. Dixon recalled Foreign Office statement in favor of 18. He also referred to “Macmillan-Dulles agreement we should get Soviets agree to 17.”
4.
Discussion then focused on procedures. Dixon said he preferred going to Security Council first. He conceived of “theater diplomacy” in GA whereas hard bargaining of deal involved Security Council, and we should do this first. Also he envisaged some agreement on procedure, pointing out that if candidates taken up alphabetically in SC, ….
5.
Martin disagreed and said we should go to GA first. He stressed four or five times view that GA would be helpful in mobilizing opinion. He said that it was this mobilization of opinion, since Canadians have undertaken their steps on membership, that has had a persuasive effect upon some governments, including UK.
6.
Lodge said his personal view is that of Dixon’s—that we should go to Security Council first. It would give us greater protection and Security Council would be more manageable. Barco added he assumed we all wanted solution and question was how best to achieve it. He said it would be more difficult for us if we proceed in GA initially and cited in particular question of Outer Mongolia. Dixon picked this up and said Indians would undoubtedly press for Outer Mongolia and Soviets would have to give support for such a move. This could upset any agreement which might be arrived at on Security Council action regarding 17.
7.
We had distinct impression that position taken by Martin in favor moving in GA first largely motivated by desire insure Canada will get credit for breaking impasse on membership problem. Since Canada not member of SC it could not expect play same role there as it would in GA. When Martin was pressed on difficulties which would arise with respect to Outer Mongolia if we go to GA first, Martin admitted this was weakest link in his argument.
8.
There was also brief discussion with respect to position of France. Dixon pointed out that there were two things being whispered in corridors: first, that nothing would move the French until Algerian question was settled, which in turn would pave the way to a more moderate French attitude on membership question; secondly, it was also being whispered if French would give undertaking on new members this would lead Arabs to be helpful on Algerian matter. Martin said that while French have not concurred, they have not said no. He expressed view that France would not stand against US and UK position in SC, and he added it is a chance we have to take. Martin also expressed his belief that the Russians are prepared “to go a long way,” and he added that he did not believe that there was need for assurance from the Russians before putting in his resolution in GA.
9.
Lodge expressed hope that there will be more opportunity to consult with Martin before he moves ahead. Martin responded that there would be such opportunity for future consultations.
Lodge
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 310.2/11–1055. Secret; Priority; Limited Distribution.↩