Office of the Historian

310.2/6–2054: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Japan1

confidential
Washington, June 23, 1954—8:10 p.m.

2847. We note from Tokyo’s 3166 Japan presently studying question of non-member participation arrangements in GA (“Associate Membership”) but has several objections. Whether such arrangements would be desirable for Japan is question for Japan itself decide. However since we see no hope for early admission Japan, in our view these arrangements for Japan and others excluded from membership by Soviet veto would be most positive step possible at ninth GA. With these considerations in mind suggest Embassy and USUN communicate following to Japanese as points they may wish consider:

1.
US regards non-member participation arrangements as only interim measure and not as substitute for full membership. US would continue strongly support Japanese membership in UN after such arrangements might be adopted.
2.
We believe arrangements could be worked out consistent with Charter which would permit Japan and other qualified states take active part on regular basis in GA and exert considerable influence even if their vote could not count. Pending consultations other UN [Page 1008] Members we could not of course guarantee to Japan exact terms of arrangements. However seems to us terms could provide extensive privileges, including right speak and make proposals in main GA Committees and GA plenary and right have votes recorded but not counted. In return GA might request voluntary financial contribution to cover costs such participation.
3.
Such arrangements would have advantages for UN as well as non-members concerned. As more states would be permitted contribute to discussions in GA effectiveness and prestige of UN would be increased. In addition USSR would be shown that majority will cannot be completely frustrated by Soviet veto on membership applications. Even possible that effectuation in practice of such arrangements would ultimately lead USSR conclude point of diminishing returns had been passed in continuing veto membership of states like Japan.
4.
Question of desirability non-member participation arrangements from Japan’s standpoint is of course for Japan to determine itself. Furthermore Department aware Italy has opposed such arrangements and that number of UN Members have been reluctant proceed for both legal and political reasons. We agree it would be undesirable make proposal in GA unless favorable decision assured on acceptable basis and in particular we could not agree to any plan which provided for Soviet-sponsored as well as non-Soviet applicants. If Japan really interested in arrangements we would be glad consult with Italy and other non-UN Members and also with UN Members to try obtain their agreement to action at Ninth GA for applicants which have been determined eligible for UN membership by GA but have been excluded by Soviet veto in SC. On basis results these consultations it could be decided whether it would be feasible move ahead.

Dulles

  1. Drafted by Paul W. Jones (UNP), cleared in draft with the geographic bureaus and L/UNA, approved for transmission by Popper and signed by Assistant Secretary Key.

    Sent for action also to USUN (671) and for information to Rome (4361) by pouch.

    ↩