320/12–4950: Telegram
The United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin) to the Secretary of State
priority
[Received December 19—8:16 p. m.]
Delga 453. Following report Pearson-Ross telecon late this afternoon. Twelve-power Asian group met immediately after Committee 1 adjournment yesterday morning and thereafter expressed disappointment to three-power group that group had neither said nor done anything to reassure Chinese Communists that they would not be lured into trap by acceptance cease-fire with nothing open in way of discussions after cease-fire.
At meeting of three-power group yesterday afternoon Rau wanted to issue press statement calling attention to twelve-power resolution providing for discussions in relation to cease-fire resolution. Entezam and Pearson opposed any public statement at this time and any action pending contemplated Rau conversation with Wu this morning.
Rau saw Wu this morning and got nowhere; he reported, however, that Chinese Communists made cryptic remarks to effect they hoped to be back soon.1
Three-power group met at lunch today and were to meet again this evening to consider sending telegram probably tonight to Peiping along following lines: Three-power group anxious that there be no misunderstanding on part Chinese Communists, in considering telegram group sent last Saturday re cease-fire resolution, and no misunderstanding re twelve-Asian power resolution concerning discussions. Chinese Communists may be assured if cease-fire resolution implemented negotiations can follow at once as twelve-power resolution could be adopted by Assembly at once. It was view of twelve Asian sponsors of resolution calling for discussions as well as three-power cease-fire group that Government of CPR would participate in discussions. Group felt that adoption twelve-power resolution could provide channel for peaceful settlement outstanding issues in Far East affecting interests of US, UK, Soviet Union and China. Telegram would end on note that cease-fire must, of course, first be put into effect.
Pearson said that if telegram sent it would not commit anyone else to anything.2
With regard to procedure in Committe 1, Pearson said they had found out that three-power telegram to Peiping last Saturday was not received there until 7 o’clock yesterday morning. Pearson said that if [Page 1579] reply not received by Thursday morning,3 three-power group planned to send to Peiping that morning short telegram setting in effect a deadline, but not laying down an ultimatum, to effect that three-power group must begin preparation of its final report to Assembly not later than Tuesday, December 26. Pearson said group would prepare its report in course next week with view to Committee 1 meeting early first week in January. Report would include text of telegram referred to above concerning negotiations.