Israel membership in the UN – Letter from Israel

APPLICATION OF ISRAEL FOR ADMISSION TO

MEMBERSHIP IN THE UNITED NATIONS

Letter dated 29 November 1948, from the Minister for

Foreign Affairs of the Provisional Government

of Israel to the Secretary-General

Note by the Secretary-General:  Pursuant to rule 124 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, the Secretary-General has the honour to transmit herewith for the information of the Members of the General Assembly a copy of a letter, dated 29 November 1948, from the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Provisional Government of Israel, concerning the application of Israel for admission to membership in the United Nations.

Paris, 29 November 1948

On 14 May 1948, the independence of the State of Israel was proclaimed by the National Council of the Jewish people in Palestine by virtue of the natural and historic right of the Jewish people to independence in its own sovereign State and in pursuance of the General-Assembly resolution of 29 November 1947.  Since that date Israel has been consolidated administratively and defended itself successfully against the aggression of neighbouring States.  It has so far achieved recognition by nineteen Powers.

On behalf of the Provisional Government of Israel, I have now the honour to request the admission of Israel as a Member of the United Nations in accordance with Article 4 of the Charter.

In view of the special nature of this application I would request that its consideration should proceed without regard to the deadlines fixed by rule 60, paragraphs 1-4, but in conformity with paragraph 5 of the same rule 60 of the provisional rules of procedure of the Security Council.

A formal declaration that the Government of Israel accepts all the obligations stipulated in the United Nations Charter is enclosed.

My Government submits that Israel’s admission to the United Nations will constitute an act of international justice to the Jewish people, fully consistent with United Nations policy on Palestine, and will contribute to the stabilization of the Middle East and to the cause of international peace.

DECLARATION

29 November 1948

On behalf of the State of Israel, I, Moshe Shertok, Minister for Foreign Affairs, being duly authorized by the State Council of Israel, declare that the State of Israel hereby unreservedly accepts the obligations of the United Nations Charter and undertakes to honour them from the day when it becomes a Member of the United Nations.

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