340.290/2–651: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom
priority
3873. Kef Depcirtel 457 Feb 5, urtel 4300 Feb 6, Depcirgram Jan 25 and other recent exchanges on Chi representation.
1. Brit vote on Chi representation will be crucial in ECAFE. Dept has discussed situation with Brit Emb which delivered Feb 14 FonOff msg rejecting our postponement position. (For text msg see Depcirgram 1449 Feb 17.)1 Emb has suggested we make additional approach FonOff. You are requested deliver Bevin msg in tel immed fol.
2. In connection possible conversation FonOff this matter you might wish use fol points in explaining our position.
- (a)
- Objective GA Res Dec 14, as set forth preamble that Res, is that in the interest of proper functioning of UN there shld be uniformity in procedure applicable when controversies as to representation arise in UN. Res then states that because of its composition GA is organ in which consideration can best be given views all Members re questions affecting functioning Org as a whole. Pursuant these considerations GA then recommends that when controversies as to representation arise they shld be considered by the GA and that its attitude shld be taken into acct in other UN organs and in the Specialized Agencies. UNagree that this Res does not bind other competent UN organs or Specialized Agency bodies either to await GA action or to abide by its decision. We do believe, however, that in view objective uniformity expressed in Res, it is wise and appropriate for other UN organs and Specialized Agency bodies to postpone action on Chi representation until the GA has declared its attitude. Moreover, this position seems to us to be a sound procedural basis on which to avoid direct discussion of the substance of the Chi representation question and thus prevent unnecessary highlighting of the differences between UK and ourselves on this issue.
- (b)
- Each Govt must, of course, decide what bearing the GA condemnation of Chi Commie aggression shld have on its position on Chi representation. In our opinion, it wld be highly undesirable, in view GA finding, for other UN organs or bodies affiliated with UN to seat Commies and we will vote accordingly.
- (c)
- As indicated above, our postponement position, grounded on an Assembly recommendation, is designed precisely to avoid exaggeration of our differences on the substance of this issue and we hoped it wld be recd in that spirit.
3. For background info Emb in recent mtgs UNICEF Exec Board and Comite to coordinate work AEC–CCA, UK Del voted with US Del in support postponement Res, In latter Comite UK Del explained support was based on UK view organ not competent deal with representation issue. At ECAFE mtg last year Res expressed desire ECAFE [Page 231] question Chi representation be decided higher body approved 8 (US, Neth)–1 (Burma) 3 (UK).
4. USDel Lahore informs Dept Brit Del unwilling consider question procedural basis and pushing vigorously settlement substantive basis.2 Neth has been instructed abstain even on substance if UK will do same. Unless UK changes position, US Del estimates Commies will be seated.