501.BB/8–3049: Telegram
The Acting United States Representative at the United Nations (Ross) to the Secretary of State
1019. Eyes only for UNA Sanders1 and distribution only on Sanders’ direction. At his request I called on Cadogan this noon. He read me his instructions on China item for GA. Very brief telegram [Page 158] from Foreign Office read roughly as follows: It was hard to see what useful purpose would be served by putting item on agenda; what Chinese Nationalist Government hoped to gain. Would lead to interminable acrimonious debate with copious quotation from American White Paper. There was serious risk question of recognizing a Chinese Communist Government would arise. In view foregoing, Cadogan should tell Tsiang [that]UKG did not see what advantage would be gained by putting item on agenda.
Having seen Deptel 436, August 24, Cadogan had not yet acted on his instructions. I let Cadogan read this telegram again. I also read to him essential portions mytel 1001, August 26. Cadogan took notes statement I have made to Tsiang as authorized second paragraph Deptel 436. Said he would cable London indicating what I had told Tsiang and view expressed by Tsiang and recommending he accommodate what he tells Tsiang to our position.
I mentioned Koo had been in Department and had seemed somewhat less definite than Tsiang about putting item on agenda. Cadogan observed this was characteristic of Koo who, he said, he had no doubt would take advantage of any opportunity to “nip onto” Chinese Communist bandwagon.
I told Cadogan I had no reaction to my report of Tsiang’s conversation. On his request whether I had any information as to who was informed other than Chauvel, Cadogan and ourselves, I told him Tsiang said he had mentioned to McNaughton; I also gave him in confidence information that Lie had mentioned matter in his ASyG meeting after Tsiang had apparently discussed it with Victor Hoo.2
- William Sanders of the Office of United Nations Affairs. Sanders was in effect acting as Deputy Director of the Office of United Nations Affairs at this time although he was never formally so designated.↩
- Notation by Livingston T. Merchant, of the Office of Far Eastern Affairs, to the Chief of the Division of Chinese Affairs (Sprouse): “Since I assume we are not overly enthusiastic over Chinese raising issue or prospects their competence in presenting it but felt White Paper more or less committed us to some degree of support if they raised issue, I suggest we urgently instruct Ross to say so to Cadogan and let him go ahead with his bucket of cold water. But will have to get the word to N[ew] Y[ork] fast if you and UNP [Office of United Nations Political Affairs] agree. LTM. 8/31 11 a. m.”↩