310.2/7–1454: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Mission at the United Nations
46. Your conversation with Tsiang on handling of Chinese representation issue at Ninth GA your 38.
1. Credentials Committee. Slates nominated by previous Presidents were:
- a)
- geographically representative (Since fifth session general pattern has been: Western Europe 1 or 2; Latin America 2; Arab-Asian bloc 2 or 3; Commonwealth 1 or 2; Soviet bloc 1; Great Powers 1, 2 or 3); and
- b)
- have included since 1950 no more than three states which recognize Chinese Communist regime on basis that Nine Member Committee should reflect Assembly sentiment as whole on substance Chinese representation issue and less than one-third GA Members recognize Communist regime.
It is difficult see how Temporary President (Chairman Indian delegation and therefore not necessarily Madame Pandit) this year could [Page 747] advance any plausible justification for nominating slate which departs from these criteria. If criteria are applied it is difficult see how slate could fail include majority states which support us on Chinese representation issue assuming we dispose of matter on basis moratorium formula and assuming there is no unexpected change attitude significant number countries. If criteria not applied and unacceptable slate proposed we would move appropriate amendments or possibly even an alternative slate. Since President’s action would have been flagrantly partisan we should have no difficulty obtaining adequate support in GA.
2. Department believes course suggested by Tsiang most unwise. Moratorium arrangement provides basis on which maximum number free world states can act together to keep representatives Government Republic of China seated and Chinese Communists excluded. Even if we could get UK merely abstain in vote on substance, essential in this critical period maintain free world unity whenever possible and particularly on Far Eastern issues. Moreover moratorium arrangement designed keep Chinese Nationalists seated and Chinese Communists excluded throughout whole UN system; certain smaller UN and specialized agency bodies are so composed that there is considerable doubt we could continue achieve our objective without affirmative support UK and certain other states on basis moratorium formula (e.g. ECAFE) even if it were possible do so in larger bodies like GA.
3. Department requests you continue make representations other delegations on Chinese representation issue, in particular those delegations mentioned by Tsiang. We intend supplement your activities by making representations at Embassies here and at appropriate capitals.