Israel’s application for UN membership – Press release

UNITED NATIONS

Department of Public Information

Press and Publications Bureau

Lake Success, New York

Press Release PAL/387

29 November 1948

ISRAEL REQUESTS ADMISSION TO UNITED NATIONS

The following letter dated 29 November from Moshe Shertok, Minister for Foreign Affairs for the Provisional Government of Israel, has been received by the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Paris:

"Mr. Trygve Lie

Secretary-General of the United Nations

Paris.

Sir:

On May 14, 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 November 29, 1947.  Since that date, Israel has been consolidated administratively and defended itself successfully against the aggression of neighboring states.  It has so far achieved recognition by nineteen powers.

On behalf of the Provisional Government of Israel, I have now the honor 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, Paragraph 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.