respect to any applicant, some determination must be made as to whether it is an independent "American state"-a determination that is presumably one for the existing membership to make. And for this, some procedure must be established.

The procedure proposed in the draft resolution presented to this conference by the delegations of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Paraguay, and the United States seems to us admirably suited.30 With respect to the form, however, it seems to us that the distinguished Foreign Minister of Ecuador [Gonzalo Escudero], with his usual intelligence and vision, has made a notable contribution to this conference by suggesting that the document be in the form of an acta-the "Act of Washington." 31 Making use of the Secretary General as the administrative head of the Organization and custodian of the charter, and of the Council as the major body in permanent session on which all participating members are represented, seems to us both practical and expeditious.

The proposal that the action of the Council require the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the present members avoids both the potential tyranny of the bare majority and the potential despotism of the vetowhich concept we have happily been able to avoid introducing into the inter-American system. Moreover, while such matters are not in reality decided by counting noses, it does not seem consistent with the necessary harmony and solidarity to provide even theoretically that a political entity should become a member if one-half minus one of the present members feel that it fails to qualify as a state.

Two other points require mention:

We are aware that there are three territories in this hemisphere which are the object of controversy between adjacent or neighboring American Republics and an extracontinental power.32 While this conference is not called upon-and indeed it would be most inappropriate to pass upon or prejudge in any way the substance of these problems, their existence has, in the view of many, a potential relevance to the establishment of procedures for admission to membership. Indeed, so long as such disputes should continue, they would naturally be a cloud upon the very existence and independence of any political entity that might emerge from the territories so far as its suitability is concerned for admission to the OAS as an independent state. In attention, then, to such a situation, and to the strength of feeling on this matter by certain of our sister Republics directly affected, it seems fitting that we expressly exempt any entity arising from such territories from decision by the Council until such time as an end has been put to the controversy by some method of peaceful settlement.

30 Not printed here.

31 Infra.

32

I.e., the dispute between Guatemala and Great Britain over British Honduras; the dispute between Venezuela and Great Britain over British Guiana; the dispute between Argentina and Great Britain over the Falkland Islands. In addition, Great Britain, Argentina, and Chile claim the Palmer Peninsula, a part of Antarctica.

Secondly, in the discussions in the Council of the problem of membership, considerable attention has been given to the question of whether, in addition to the charter, the would-be member must sign and ratify the Rio Treaty.33 This treaty is, of course, the basis of our hemispheric security system; contains solemn commitments on which our protection and security rest; and in its operation makes use of such instrumentalities as the Council and the MFM [Meeting of Foreign Ministers], investing them with authority as Organ of Consultation. From a practical point of view, then, it would be difficult to envisage an American state being an effective member of the organization without becoming a party to the Rio Treaty. Moreover, article 25 of the charter provides that, in the event any situation arises endangering the peace of America, "the American States . . . shall apply the measures and procedures established in the special treaties on the subject." Thus, in our view, while it cannot be juridically asserted that adherence to the Rio Treaty is a prior condition to becoming a member, the charter is clear that the members shall apply the measures and procedures of such a treaty and there is the further obligation of all members to put themselves in a position to carry out fully all the provisions of the charter.

These, then, Mr. Chairman, are the views of my Government on the single question before this meeting. Prompt and, we would hope, unanimous adoption of a resolution embodying such reasonable procedures as those in the draft before us will be an act of justice toward the new independent states in this hemisphere. It will be in accord with our historic tradition of seeking an end to dependent relationships in the international community. It will demonstrate that the OAS is as its framers intended-an organization that can evolve and adapt to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

Document III-6

"Act of Washington"-Procedure for Admission of New Members to the Organization of American States: RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE FIRST SPECIAL INTER-AMERICAN CONFERENCE, WASHINGTON, DECEMBER 16-18, 1964 3

34

The First Special Inter-American Conference

RESOLVES:

1. That any independent American state that desires to become a member of the Organization should so indicate by means of a note addressed to the Secretary General, in which it declares that it is willing to sign and ratify the Charter of the Organization of American

23

I.e., The Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance; text in American Foreign Policy, 1950–1955: Basic Documents, vol. I, pp. 789–796.

34 Department of State Bulletin, Jan. 11, 1965, pp. 48-49. The Act was signed by 20 Republics but Guatemala, Chile, Uruguay, Venezuela, Argentina, and Ecuador included clarifying statements.

States 35 and to accept all the obligations inherent in the condition of membership in the Organization, especially those relating to collective security expressly set forth in articles 24 and 25 of the Charter of the Organization.

2. That, once it is informed of the matter by the Secretary General, the Council of the Organization, in accordance with articles 108, 50, and 51 of the Charter, shall determine by the vote of two thirds of the member states whether it is appropriate that the Secretary General be authorized to permit the applicant state to sign the Charter of the Organization and to accept the deposit of the corresponding instrument of ratification.

3. That the Council of the Organization shall not take any decision with respect to a request for admission on the part of a political entity whose territory, in whole or in part, is subject, prior to the date of this resolution, to litigation or claim between an extracontinental country and one or more member states of the Organization of American States, until the dispute has been ended by some peaceful procedure. 4. That this instrument shall be known as the "Act of Washington."

B. Political and Economic Developments in Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean Area

CENTRAL AMERICA

Document III-7

Measures To Prevent the Spread of Castro-Communism in Central America: DECISIONS ADOPTED BY THE SECOND MEETING OF MINISTERS OF GOVERNMENT, INTERIOR, AND SECURITY OF THE REPUBLICS OF CENTRAL AMERICA, PANAMA, AND THE UNITED STATES AT SAN SALVADOR, EL SALVADOR, JANUARY 16, 1964 (EXCERPTS) 1

Decision No. 2

To recommend that at their next meeting the Chiefs of Security Agencies of the Isthmian countries be accompanied by the Directors of Immigration of their respective countries, for the purpose of reviewing their existing immigration laws and procedures; and that, in accordance with this review and the conclusions reached, they

35 Text in A Decade of American Foreign Policy: Basic Documents, 1941-49, pp. 427-445.

1OAS doc. OEA/Ser.L/X/II.5 (appendix B). The meeting took place Jan. 1316, 1964. For documentation on the first meeting, Apr. 3-4, 1963, see American Foreign Policy: Current Documents, 1963, pp. 239-242.

recommend to the governments the amendments needed for national security, in the face of the threat of Castro-communist infiltration.

Decision No. 6

The Ministers of the Central American countries expressed their deep concern over the threat of communism in centers of education and agreed to recommend to the authorities in this field that they seek the most effective and appropriate means so that this threat, which strikes at the heart of the national interest, may be fought and contained with firmness and determination.

Decision No. 7

The Ministers recommended the improvement and expansion of the communications systems of the agencies responsible for security matters in their respective countries, as well as the establishment of direct communications links between security agencies of the various countries, for the purpose of reporting the results of surveillance efforts within the national territory and insuring, when necessary, the prompt response of security forces. The Ministers also agreed to accept, and express appreciation for, the offers which the U.S. Delegation made to send communication technicians to their countries to assist them in these efforts.

The Ministers wish to record their appreciation to the Government of the United States of America for its close cooperation with our governments in the struggle against Castro-communist infiltration. and subversion.

Document III-8

Costa Rican-United States Discussions "on Matters of Mutual Concern": JOINT COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT WASHINGTON BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES (JOHNSON) AND THE PRESIDENT OF COSTA RICA (ORLICH), JULY 1, 1964.2

The President of Costa Rica, Francisco Orlich, and President Johnson have concluded friendly discussions on matters of mutual concern. The two Presidents discussed the Alliance for Progress and the contribution it is making toward the economic and social development of the Hemisphere. They expressed their satisfaction in its achievements in Central America and the Hemisphere since President Kennedy's visit to San José,3 and reaffirmed their faith in the goals of the Alliance. They noted especially the intimate relationship which exists between the practice of effective representative democracy and the achievement of social and economic progress, and they renewed

2 Department of State Bulletin, July 20, 1964, pp. 81-82. President Francisco J. Orlich visited Washington, June 30–July 2.

'See American Foreign Policy: Current Documents, 1963, pp. 231–238.

their determination to encourage democratic ideals throughout the Hemisphere. President Johnson expressed his admiration for the leadership which Costa Rican people have given over the years, by their example, to the accomplishment of this objective.

4

President Orlich reviewed the efforts of the Central American countries to promote their economic well-being through the Central American Common Market. President Johnson expressed gratification that these efforts had already made a significant contribution to the economic development of Central America. The two Presidents discussed the participation of private enterprise in the Central American Common Market, and the fundamental importance of cooperation between the public and private sectors in creating sound and healthy conditions in which each can make its most effective contribution. They agreed that a responsible and vigorous private sector is an essential element of a free and democratic society, and is indispensable to the success of the Central American Common Market and the Alliance for Progress.

President Orlich outlined the economic situation in his country, and expressed appreciation for the understanding and friendly cooperation of the United States. He gave special praise to the United States Navy Seabees, who are cooperating with Costa Rica to relieve flood conditions, which have been seriously aggravated by the eruption of Irazu Volcano. President Johnson assured President Orlich of the continued and sympathetic cooperation of the United States in the present natural disaster afflicting Costa Rica, and of the desire of the United States to help Costa Rica achieve further economic and social progress in keeping with the Charter of Punta del Este." The Presidents noted the continued efforts of subversive agents trained in Cuba and other Communist countries to create unrest and undermine democratic governments in Latin America. They agreed that each country must adopt effective measures to defend itself against such activities, and that the Organization of American States should take meaningful steps to demonstrate the collective will of the American Republics to resist such aggression.

The Presidents concluded their talks by expressing satisfaction that relations between their two countries had reached a high level of mutual understanding and respect. They pledged themselves to continued cooperation within the Organization of American States to achieve the objectives of the Alliance for Progress.

'See ibid., 1961, pp. 268-278.

The volcano was active intermittently in 1963 and 1964, with eruptions of some violence in Jan., Apr., and Aug. 1964. Damage to crops and livestock was severe. Ash fell on the capital city of San José, a distance of 30 miles from the volcano. Eruptions gradually subsided and by 1965, there was only an occasional shower of ashes.

6

Text in American Foreign Policy: Current Documents, 1961, pp. 395-409.