740.00119 FEAC/11–545
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Director of the Office of Far Eastern Affairs (Vincent)
| Participants: | The Chinese Ambassador, Dr. Wei Tao-ming |
| The Under Secretary | |
| Mr. Vincent |
The Chinese Ambassador called on the Under Secretary this morning. He opened the conversation by inquiring whether we had made any progress in our negotiations with the Russians on the Terms of [Page 823] Reference for the Far Eastern Commission. Mr. Acheson gave the Ambassador an outline of the main points that were under consideration and said that we were still hopeful of reaching a common understanding, not only with the Russians, but with other interested powers, in regard to the Terms.
The Ambassador then mentioned the proposed structure of the Secretariat for the Commission. He called attention to the proposal for a Deputy Secretary General and brought forward a number of arguments as to why the Deputy Secretary General should be a Chinese. Mr. Acheson indicated concurrence but said that it would seem to be a matter for the Commission to decide. The Ambassador said that he did not believe there should be three Deputy Secretary Generals to allow representation for all the principal powers (the Secretary General is American) and he also suggested that there be no person with the title of Assistant Secretary General. Mr. Acheson again concurred in these views.
There ensued some conversation regarding the election of a Chairman for the Commission. Dr, Wei expressed willingness to either nominate or second the American representative as permanent Chairman of the Commission.