310.2/9–1550: Telegram
The Deputy United States Representative at the United Nations (Gross) to the Secretary of State
559. Ross and Maffit1 called on Romulo before he returned to Washington. In discussing Chinese representation, Romulo suggested following procedure might be followed if Vishinsky raises point of order or presents resolution: After USSR speech US or some delegation propose item go to general committee for study. If there are two parts to session, as Lie advocates, general committee might recommend to plenary that settlement be postponed to second part with Nationalist Chinese continuing to sit. Romulo’s thinking was that postponement of settlement until present tense atmosphere should clear a little, would be useful, especially as measure to avoid antagonizing Communist China and possibly leading it into Korean war which it might do if it felt it had no chance of being seated until 6th GA. Romulo liked idea of split session as way to postpone decisions on Korean future and perhaps other controversial matters while present tensions prevail.
Reserving our position on split session since US opposes at this time, Ross suggested that if situation worked out along lines Romulo expounded, perhaps special committee might study Chinese representation question and report later to Assembly. He wondered whether Romulo felt avoidance clearcut decision at this time might help [Page 291] French and some others. Romulo thought it would. He added that Philippine Government is firm against recognizing Communist China. Further discussion tactics left Romulo holding firm his line re split session and postponement Chinese representation issue which he hoped we would consider carefully.
[Here follows discussion of other subjects.]
- Edward P. Maffit of the United States Mission at the United Nations.↩