330/8–350: Telegram
The United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin) to the Secretary of State
priority
[Received August 3.]
198. Rau on afternoon of August 2 on his own initiative raised with Gross problems he said GOI was facing in connection with motion for localization of conflict in Korea.1 Saying he had not received [Page 525] instructions as to how to vote on motion, Rau said he had been requested to take up several questions with US. Referring to condemnation paragraph in resolution, Rau asked if we had considered likelihood Soviet veto. If Soviet representative did veto, asked Rau, “Would that mean that SC did not condemn North Korean authorities?” Gross replied that it would mean no such thing, but would merely signify Soviet unwillingness for Council to condemn North Korean authorities. Rau, obviously cool to the condemnation clause and indeed to the resolution as a whole, did not argue the point but seemed unconvinced.
Rau also asked, what importance we attached to condemning the North Korean authorities, inasmuch as the SC “has already taken action much beyond the point of mere condemnation”. Gross replied we attached importance to giving all members of the Council, including the Soviet representative, opportunity to express their true views concerning continued contempt by North Korean authorities of SC orders.
Throughout discussion Rau clearly indicated GOI reluctance go along with resolution and unhappiness concerning “hard line” being followed by US in SC during past few days.