L.C. Green explained this by saying that `` recognition of statehood is a matter of discretion , it is open to any existing state to accept as a state any entity it wishes , regardless of the existence of territory or an established government . '' L.C. Green cited the recognition of the unborn Polish and Czech states in World War I and explained that `` recognition of statehood is a matter of discretion , it is open to any existing state to accept as a state any entity it wishes , regardless of the existence of territory or an established government . ''