320/11–1650: Telegram
The United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin) to the Secretary of State
Delga 304. Re postponement consideration of Formosan item. At Pakistan dinner last night considerable number delegates expressed interest in “real reason” behind our motion in First Committee to postpone consideration Formosan item and our views in general as to where do we go from here on complex of Chinese items in Assembly and SC. Ross responded as follows:
At beginning of Assembly it seemed probable that Korean war would be successfully liquidated in fairly short time and that UN might then reasonably turn its attention to two constructive programs: (a) unification and rehabilitation of Korea, and (b) initiation at least of consideration of problem of future status of Formosa. Korean Commission was on its way to Korea and would do what it could in light of circumstances in pushing forward towards unification and rehabilitation. On other hand, did not seem wise to us in light of changed military situation in North Korea to plunge into consideration Formosan question. On contrary, seemed wiser to us to play for time pending clarification military situation. Furthermore, pending clarification military situation Korea, it seemed essential maintain protection Formosan flank.
Chauvel, Berendsen, Entezam and Santa Cruz,1 with whom conversations held, expressed full agreement course taken.
- Jean Chauvel of France, Sir Carl Berendsen of New Zealand, Nasrollah Entezam of Iran, and Hernán Santa Cruz of Chile, Representatives to the Fifth Session of the U.N. General Assembly.↩