C.F.M. Files: Lot M–88: Box 2063: US Delegation Minutes
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Secretary of State
The Minister14 called at his request to see the Secretary.
He said his Government was very much interested in having a representative at the meetings of the Council when the peace treaty with Germany is discussed. They feel that it will create a precedent for consideration of the treaty with Japan.
The Secretary told him that the only German question to be dealt with was the question which France had discussed in London—the disposition of the Ruhr. The Secretary emphasized that the US would have no objection to China’s presence at the meetings, but he told the Minister he frankly did not believe there was a chance that agreement could be reached to have China admitted. He also said that it would not set a precedent for Japan. He recalled that the argument presented by the Soviet last fall was that China should be included in discussion of matters in the Pacific, along with the US and UK, but that France should not be included.
The Minister showed to the Secretary a copy of an aide-mémoire on the subject which he said he had sent to Mr. Bevin.
The Secretary said he thought it was very good and suggested he send it to the other foreign ministers. The Secretary said he would [Page 224] be glad to present China’s desire to the Council and see what can be done about it.
The Minister informed the Secretary that, in case China is admitted to the Council, he has been named to represent his Foreign Minister.
The Secretary said he would be glad to see China admitted because he knows that China as a member of the Security Council is interested in world peace anywhere, but that he cannot agree it would set a precedent for consideration of Japan.
The Minister stated that the Secretary has presented a plan for demilitarization of Germany and that this might affect the determination of a similar plan for Japan.
The Secretary said that plan had been submitted to the interested Governments through diplomatic channels three months ago and also a plan was prepared for Japan and submitted to the Chinese Government.
The Minister showed to the Secretary a telegram which he said he had received from his Foreign Minister. After reading the message the Secretary informed him the press reports were entirely incorrect, that there was no proposal to discuss any Pacific questions at the Council. He asked the Minister to inform his Foreign Minister that the press reports were wrong. He added that not much progress has been made on the questions before the Council and they are certainly not going to add to their troubles by bringing up new questions now.
- Tsien Tai, the Chinese Ambassador in France.↩