The last decade has witnessed considerable evolution in the practice of recognition of new governments that have come to power by irregular means. Many of these changes appear to have gone almost unnoticed by many scholars in the field.
Of particular significance is the denial by Miss Marjorie Whiteman, Assistant Legal Adviser to the Department of State, in Volume II of her work, of a difference in the character of recognition, i.e., de facto or de jure recognition. Miss Whiteman lends her authority to this position when she states in Volume II of her Digest:
While the terms “de facto recognition” and “de jure recognition” are frequently employed, the expressions “recognition of a de facto government,” situation, etc., are preferable. The character of the object recognized may be recognized as “de facto” in existence or control. In prevailing practice, when the United States extends recognition, it is recognition per se not “de facto” recognition.