Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1945, General: The United Nations, Volume I

500.CC/4–345

Memorandum Prepared in the Department of State⁸⁸

Tentative Suggestions With Respect to the Use of Languages at the San Francisco Conference

Reference is made to our memorandum of March 16, 1945 concerning tentative suggestions with respect to arrangements for the San Francisco Conference in which it was indicated that additional proposals concerning those arrangements would be communicated to the other sponsoring Governments. In that connection, we have now formulated a proposal concerning the use of languages at the San Francisco Conference for the consideration of the other sponsoring Governments.

1. Authentic Texts of the Charter

We propose that English, Russian, Chinese, French and Spanish be the official languages of the Conference in which authentic texts of the Charter would be drawn up for signature. If time does not permit the conclusion of drafts in each of these languages at the Conference, we suggest that those drafts which may not be completed at San Francisco be opened for signature at a later date.

2. Use of Languages in Meetings

With a view to expediting the work of the Conference, we suggest that speeches in the plenary sessions and commissions be given in English, if convenient. It is expected that delegates speaking in other languages would furnish English translations or interpreters, as possible. The Secretariat would provide assistance, when needed, in translating and interpreting from Russian, French, and Spanish into English.

We also propose that English be used, whenever possible, in the meetings of the committees and subcommittees. It is our thought that delegates would provide their own interpreters to enable them to follow discussions in English. The Secretariat would provide assistance, when needed, for interpretations from Russian, French and Spanish into English.

3. Use of Languages in Documents and Records

We propose that documents, records, and the Official Journal be issued in English. The Secretariat would be prepared to assist delegations in translating Russian, French or Spanish drafts into English. In addition to this assistance, the Secretariat would comply, as possible, with requests for assistance in translating draft texts or proposals into Russian, French, or Spanish.

Washington , April 3, 1945.

88. Marginal notation on the original: “Handed to the Soviet Ambassador 4/3/45.” Copies handed on the same date to the British and the Chinese Ambassadors.