"The World and Japan" Database (Project Leader: TANAKA Akihiko)
Database of Japanese Politics and International Relations
National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS); Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia (IASA), The University of Tokyo

[Title] Japan's Application for U.N. membership

[Place]
[Date] June 16, 1952
[Source] Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. Nihon Gaiko Shuyo Bunsyo Nenpyo (1), pp. 523-524. Official Records of UN Security Council Supplement for April, May and June 1952, pp. 19-20.
[Notes]
[Full text]

Tokyo, June 16, 1952.

Excellency,

I have the honour to state that Japan applies for membership in the United Nations in accordance with Article 4 of the Charter of the United Nations.

The Treaty of Peace with Japan, signed at San Francisco on September 8, 1951, has come into force as from 28 April 1952, and Japan as an independent State has been restored to the comity of nations.

In the preamble of this treaty it is stated inter alia that "Japan for its part declares its intention to apply for membership in the United Nations and in all circumstances to conform to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations" and that "the Allied Powers welcome the intention of Japan".

The Japanese people have an earnest desire to participate in the work of the United Nations and to utilize the purposes and principles of the Charter as a guide to the conduct of their affairs. There exists among the Japanese people nation-wide sympathy with the objectives of the United Nations to foster international peace and cooperation among nations. The Government of Japan is eager to apply for membership in the United Nations therefore and will undertake to fulfill the obligations of membership in the Organization by all means at its disposal.

In these circumstances I have the honour to request that Your Excellency be good enough to take necessary steps so that the present application of Japan might be given due consideration by the competent organs of the United Nations.

A formal declaration that the Japanese Government accepts the obligations contained in the Charter of the United Nations is hereby enclosed.

I avail myself of this opportunity to extend to Your Excellency the assurance of my highest consideration.

(Signed) Katsuo Okazaki

Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan