611.94A/9–750: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in China
237. Re urtel 352 Sep 7. In acceptance UN investigation of charge US aggression, due note was taken that complaint was made by Chi Commie regime. Both by precedent and construction of Charter there [Page 498] existed good reason to accept investigation. Any US attempt block consideration of complaint might have been seized upon by Chi Commies as pretext either for aggression in Korea to grave detriment UN position there or for early launching attack on Formosa which it is US policy to prevent. Debatable legal points aside, US attempt to interdict investigation wld have led to open controversy and confusion in SC, wld have reduced our international polit support, and in any case wld probably not have prevented reference question to GA. Great propaganda value vis-à-vis Asia in particular wld have been extracted by Commie bloc from US opposition to investigation, without any corresponding benefit (outside perhaps Formosa) to US, which is now in position reap some advantage from showing baseless grounds of complaint.
Appointment of commission for investigation, which we advocate, wld limit debate in SC and perhaps avoid appearance Commie Reps before latter body.
Above comment for ur background in any discussions of question with FonOff.
FYI. Admittedly, such investigation wld diminish flush of Chi Nats enthusiasm which followed US decision prevent attack on Formosa. However, we have not taken position in full support of Nat Govt and grave risks assumed by US in defense of internatl security must in justice to this country have as counterpart freedom for US to offer proof to world opinion that our action not taken either for purpose our own aggrandizement or involvement in polit situation in China. That is in fact the case. Chi Nats might well consider, from standpoint defense of Island, whether our Seventh Fleet action with any attendant investigation by UN wld be less advantageous to them than absence of both. Likewise, we wld question whether Nats morale as result of UN decision investigation wld be lower than it was prior to our commitment Seventh Fleet; if so, interesting commentary wld be provided on relation of their resolution to their capabilities. Re Taipei AP despatch Sep 9, it appears here doubtful Nats wld have preferred Seventh Fleet to keep out of way in order permit hostilities continue. Are they unprepared credit presence Fleet and ltd aid with being counter-balance of at least equal value to Commie moves? Pls comment.
Since indications are that Korean hostilities will be prolonged for considerable period, we are not in position to make comments on future developments, which wld necessarily be speculative and cld not constitute a commitment. Matter is now before UN and to our own thinking this medium offers best possibility in sight for equitable, pacific [Page 499] solution of issue. Chi Govt getting best deal possible in circumstances and shld, as we must, address itself to immed tasks at hand.
Material outlining more fully Dept’s thinking on problem being pouched for ur background info.