501.A Summaries/9–2449: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Acting Secretary of State
1180.
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Sino-Soviet Treaty
China had definitely decided to place the question of breach of the Sino-Soviet Treaty on the GA agenda Sept. 27 or 28, Tsiang (China) disclosed to Jessup Sept. 23. He reiterated that China had evidence of Russian assistance to the Chinese Communists but could not prove the extent.
In reply to Jessup’s observation, he said it would be quite satisfactory to him to have the legal issues referred to the ICJ. However, on the question of fact of USSR aid he hoped the GA would make a finding in China’s favor.
Tsiang reported that he had formulated the item to read somewhat as follows: “Threats to the independence and territorial integrity of China and to the peace of the Far East resulting from the breach of the Sino-Soviet Treaty of 1945”. He wanted to avoid centering on a legal issue of treaty breach.
Regarding the form of a resolution, Tsiang wanted merely to have a proposal which would show the Chinese people that the UN was on their side. He indicated he would welcome almost any resolution which could be so interpreted, implying that one along the lines of the Nine-Power Treaty of 1922 would, in his view, satisfy this requirement.
While Tsiang had not definitely decided whether it would be useful to have a UN Commission for China, he was inclined to doubt it. He said Taiwan was “as much a part of China as Canton” and, in reply to a query, said he would consider whether it would be useful to have UN action re Taiwan in connection with the present situation.
Tsiang also revealed that he was considering some reference in a GA resolution to giving jurisdiction of the case to the IC for possible later action.
According to Tsiang, Romulo (Philippines) was “100 percent” with the Chinese; Burma, he said, would support placing the item on the agenda but its further support would depend on the strength of the case. In the absence of Wan (Thailand), he could learn nothing about Thailand’s position.
Rau (India) said he had cabled for instructions on the case.
McNeil (UK) revealed Shawcross would handle the case for the UK when he arrived and until then he would take charge of it. He [Page 192] agreed the UK and US would have to give GC support to the Chinese request to place the item on the agenda.
Fawzi (Egypt) disclosed he had indicated to Tsiang that he would support inclusion of the item hut had given no assurances beyond this. He did not think Egypt would make a statement in the debate.
GA President Romulo reported Tsiang (China) had informed him that he intended to address a letter to the GA president on Sept. 27 proposing inclusion of the Sino-Soviet Treaty on the GA agenda.
The Chinese delegation voted 8–2 in favor of placing the question of breach of the treaty on the agenda, Pao (China) advised USGADel. He expected approval from Canton Sept. 23. He said that 44 countries had promised to support the item, but admitted support was only on the question of placing the matter on the agenda.
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