357.AD/12–1650: Telegram
The United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin) to the Secretary of State
priority
[Received December 16—6:37 p. m.]
Delga 445. From Gross. Re developments at Lake Success re Chinese Communists. SYG Lie advised me 4:30 p. m. concerning developments at Lake Success re Chinese Communists group as follows:
After Wu’s press conference,1 Chinese Communist delegation called on Lie in order to complete travel plans. Lie unsuccessfully attempted persuade them to remain beyond Tuesday, but Wu insisted their departure plan was firm and requested Lie to give administrative assistance and telegraph to London and Prague to aid in making reservations, et cetera. Wu agreed to Lie making this information public.
Entezam group of 3 was at Lake Success for purpose of listening to Wu press conference and considering steps to be taken in light thereof. Lie advised me that group of 3 had sent note this a. m. to Wu advising Wu of desire of group to meet for purpose discussing basis of ceasefire arrangements and expressing willingness of group to meet with Chinese Communists and NK representatives at any place convenient [Page 1561] to latter. Lie did not have text of note.2 (During past 48 hours group has not kept Lie advised of their intentions and has not used Lie for administrative assistance in any way.) Lie sarcastically characterized note sent by group of 3 as a “bid for a trip to Peiping”. Group of 3 sent to Peiping a telegram presumably embodying the substance of note delivered to Wu.
Lie informed Wu that group of 3 was at Lake Success and inquired whether Wu would be willing to meet with the group. After some consultation between Wu and Chiao, Wu refused to meet with group. However, at Chiao’s suggestion, Wu did meet for about half an hour with Entezam as President of the GA, rather than as chairman of the cease-fire group. Lie was not invited by Entezam to remain and therefore did not know what was said.
Lie has strong view that we should press as rapidly as possible for adoption of 6-power resolution. He is convinced Chinese Communists do not intend to cooperate in any way in efforts looking toward a ceasefire. He is afraid that group of 3, particularly Rau, will now press for as much delay as possible in further UN action in the vain hope that Peiping will take position different from that taken here by Wu.
Rau is having dinner with Wu this evening, in accordance with arrangements made some days ago. Lie does not believe this of any significance. [Gross.]