FOREIGN RELATIONS, 194-6, VOLUME I



from the Foreign Office as well as comments on their attitude on each
of the possible candidates.
  The Foreign Office appears to be in general agreement with the pro-
cedures we had suggested to Cadogan previously (as reported in my
No. 257 of May 29). The Foreign Office had the following comments
in regard to possible candidates:
  Finland, Rumania, Bulgaria and Hungary were covered by the
Potsdam declaration and could hardly be considered in the near future.
  Italy: They favor Italy's membership, but would stick to the Pots-
dam provisions, and did not believe the question would arise this
summer.
  Austria: They would support Austria and hoped the Foreign Min-
isters Conference could agree on some form of peace settlement soon,
so that Austria's application could be entertained. Their position was
'slightly different from ours in that they did not feel the necessity of
bringing Italy in before or at the same time as Austria.
  Siam: Britain has already agreed with India to support Siam for
membership by the peace treaty of Jan. last and they favor Siam
becoming a member. They feel, however, that unless the present
difficulties are cleared up, the French are sure to veto a Siamese
application.
  Afghanistan: They will support.
  Albania: They have not yet received assurances which would justify
appointment of a Minister and will resist until this is done. However,
they want to keep in step with the United States.
  Eire: They will not take any initiative but will recognize Eire as
having the same rights as any other respectable state. They would
adopt a favorable attitude in any review and would support if it
came to a vote.
  Iceland: They will support.
  Muscat: They felt it had little chance at this time.
  Nepal: Subject to agreement by India, they would support.
  Portugal: They will take initiative; will support in any general
review and on a vote. They wish to take the initiative with the Portu-
guese Govt, but would be glad of our support.
  Sweden: They will support.
  Switzerland: They will support if Switzerland accepts all the
obligations under the Charter, which they understand will require
a referendum.
  Tibet: An application is unlikely. In any case, the Chinese would
veto, as they consider it part of China.
  Transjordan: They would support as soon as the treaty between
Great Britain and Transjordan is ratified. Sir Alexander feels there
is a question with regard to the elimination of the mandate.



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