501.BB/10–649: Telegram
The United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin) to the Secretary of State
Delga 66. Staff has given very careful consideration to draft China resolution contained Gadel 28 October 4 and has drawn up alternative draft which it submits for Department’s consideration.
Principal points of difference are (1) omission in Department’s draft of clause relating to respect for “sovereignty, independence and territorial and administrative integrity of China” and (2) inclusion in Department’s draft of clause relating to “interfering in the internal affairs of China”.
As to point (1), we feel it would be difficult in resolution designed in large part to reaffirm our traditional policy toward China to omit feature which has been keystone of that policy. Omission we feel [Page 199] would stand out glaringly and provide opening for Soviets to impugn our intentions. We recognize of course that situations might develop in China in regard to which we would wish to take stand which could he challenged as inconsistent with GA resolution containing this clause, but we believe we could demonstrate even in such circumstances our policy was in fact designed to support long-term independence and integrity of China. Likely Soviet policy in Manchuria, Inner Mongolia and Sinkiang could, on other hand, be clearly shown to be in violation of such pledge.
On point (2), we feel reference to “interfering in the internal affairs of China” is likely to lead us back in GA debate to direct support of Tsiang’s case, a position we are seeking to avoid by introducing broader based resolution which could obtain approval of substantial majority of states. Most other delegations are obviously unwilling to be drawn into public support of Chinese case which they feel cannot be proven and they will welcome alternative resolution only if it enables them to escape this necessity. Question of intervention in internal affairs is moreover one on which we are most vulnerable and on which White Paper can be most convincingly used against us.
Further point is reference in preamble of Department’s draft to “charges made by Chinese Government”. We would deprecate such reference in our resolution for tactical reason set forth in preceding paragraph and also because we feel mention of this incidental matter might be inappropriate in document we hope might form long-term basis for UN policy on China.
We still have doubts about advisability of introducing into this resolution, even in form of redraft suggested by Department, reference to possible aggression by Communist regime. Should one or more Asian states wish this point covered we might go along with separate resolution they would introduce.
We would appreciate Department’s comments on our redraft. As soon as satisfactory draft is accepted, we believe it should be discussed informally with three or four delegations previously sounded out on proposal along these lines. Other delegations would not be shown draft at this time but we feel it should be ready for prompt use, at delegation’s discretion, in case course of debate on Soviet peace pact resolution or contest over credentials of Chinese delegation should at any time make desirable crystallization of Assembly sentiment on Chinese case. We are moreover, inclined to view there would be definite advantage, both in relation to current GA situation and from broader considerations of US Far Eastern policy, for US to sponsor resolution along these lines, though there would also be advantage in obtaining, if possible, one or more co-sponsors from Asia.
[Page 200]Following is text of our draft resolution:
“Whereas, the peoples of the United Nations have expressed in the Charter of the United Nations their determination to practice tolerance and to live together in peace with one another as good neighbors and to unite their strength to maintain international peace and security, and to that end the members of the United Nations have obligated themselves to carry out the purposes and principles set forth in the charter, and
“Whereas it is a purpose of the United Nations to develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples, and
“Whereas the organization or the United Nations is based on the principle of the sovereign equality of all its members, and
‘Mindful of the existence of disturbed conditions in China,
“The General Assembly
“Calls upon all states:
- “(1) To respect the sovereignty, the independence, and the territorial and administrative integrity of China;
- “(2) To respect the right of the Chinese people now and in the future to choose freely their political institutions and to maintain a government responsive to popular will and independent of foreign control; and
- “(3) To refrain from—
- “(a) Seeking, encouraging, facilitating, or participating in the creation of extraterritorial rights, spheres of influence or special regimes or administrations within the territory of China;
- “(b) Seeking or obtaining exclusive rights or privileges anywhere in the territory of China.”