693.95/12–850: Telegram
The United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin) to the Secretary of State
priority
[Received December 8—7:34 p. m.]
Delga 393. Following are DelGA decisions December 8: Chinese Communist aggression in Korea.
Contents and background mytel 9491 reviewed by delegation. Point was made that GA, after initial hysteria, seemed to be developing greater sense of confidence and appreciation of necessity for maintaining unity. Events in Committee 1 December 7, including reactions Austin speech, described to delegation.
While there was much in mytel 949 with which he agreed, Mr. Cohen questioned assumption re difference between ourselves and our allies, which he considered to be one of means and not of principle, as telegram suggested. He also disputed motives attributed to UK and other allies. He recalled that delegation last week had thought [Page 1482] naming aggressor and calling for general support in Korea would mean extension rather than localization of conflict. In his opinion no GA delegation, aside from Soviets, was ready to forsake principles, although there was a legitimate difference of opinion as to best means of proceeding; it seemed highly questionable and lacking in humility and perspective to assume we knew the only solution. He did not believe telegram sufficiently recognized these elements in present situation, and wished his dissent to be recorded.
No decisions were taken.
Balance of meeting reported separately in Delga 392.2