UNP Files, Lot 59 D 237, “Italian Membership”
Memorandum by Mr. Paul B. Taylor of the Office of United Nations Political and Security Affairs to the Assistant Secretary of State for United Nations Affairs (Hickerson)
Subject: Briefing Secretary on Membership for his Conversation with De Gasperi1
EUR asked me yesterday (Sunday) to inform you that the briefing of the Secretary for his talks with De Gasperi will begin at 10:00 this morning. The subjects to be covered are, a review of the world situation, Italian treaty revision, Trieste and Italian membership in the United Nations. Mr. Perkins2 asked you to do the briefing on the membership item and to be present for the rest of the briefing.
De Gasperi at Ottawa handed the Secretary an Aide-Mémoire3 which is attached. The Aide-Mémoire argues that if the three Western Powers really desire Italy’s admission they can accomplish it through a liberal interpretation of the Charter. Since the Soviet vetoes of Italy’s application are illegal, they are in Italy’s view null and void and the GA should simply vote Italy into membership. The attached briefing paper4 embodies the position agreed upon with Mr. Sandifer on Saturday. We believe it is necessary not to leave De Gasperi to think we will sponsor such a proposal, since the precedents against it in the membership field are so strong. You are familiar with the other recommendations in the paper.
- For documentation regarding the Washington conversations between the Secretary of State and Italian Prime Minister De Gasperi, September 24–26, see volume iv.↩
- George W. Perkins, Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs.↩
- Ante, p. 335.↩
- Not attached, but see Doc. IPM D–5a, September 24, infra.↩