320.2/12–2850: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the United States Mission at the United Nations
615. As you know, Dept is considering commencement of active diplomatic preparation among friendly states to gain support for [Page 1620] necessary UN action in event threatened massive attack across 38th parallel begins.
There is possibility, however, that threatened attack will not occur prior to submission by Entezam group of its report and consideration thereof by First Comite at meeting now contemplated for Jan 3. Under these circumstances Dept believes USUN shld take fol position on consultation with other dels and in Comite:
- 1.
- If there is strong demand by Asian group to go through exercise of adopting 12-Power res, Dept wld acquiesce therein so long as (a) res expressly provides that meeting of proposed comite is dependent upon prior agreement on cease-fire and (b) composition of proposed comite is satisfactory. We wld regard as satisfactory a provision in res to effect that membership of comite shld be appointed by Pres of GA subject to confirmation by GA and understanding that on issues affecting China, CPR shld be represented.
- 2.
- We think 6-Power res shld be adopted with suitable modifications to make it reflect factual situation at time of adoption. Under hypothesis that Chi attack has not occurred, we wld be willing have 12-Power res adopted before 6-Power res and perhaps allow reasonable period to elapse between the two so that there cld be no complaint that Asian efforts had not been given reasonable opportunity to succeed.
- 3.
- Even if Chi offensive is held off indefinitely we nevertheless think that after 6-Power res is adopted and Chi Commies fail to comply, GA shld adopt stronger res. Other UN Members must bear in mind that Chi intervention and mass attack on UN forces flouted UN authority and was act of aggression, even if they do not now cross 38th parallel.