IO Files
Memorandum the Assistant Secretary of State for United Nations Affairs (Hickerson)
US/A/3255
Subject: Chinese Representation in the United Nations
| Participants: | Mr. F. S. Tomlinson, British Embassy |
| Mr. John D. Hickerson, UNA | |
| Mr. David H. Popper, UNP |
Calling at his request, Mr. Tomlinson showed us a new draft statement intended to set the tone for remarks to be made by British representatives at pending meetings of United Nations organs with regard to the subject of Chinese representation. Mr. Tomlinson recalled that the statement used by the British over the last few months now seemed somewhat out of date. He noted that the British position in support of postponement of the issue remained unchanged.
The new statement, like the old, explained that the UK recognized the Chinese Communist regime as the Government of China, and, therefore, supported its claim to a seat in United Nations organs. The statement continued to the effect that the British have always hoped that the Chinese Communists would recognize their obligations as a Member of the United Nations to settle disputes by peaceful means, but noted that while the Chinese Communists were attacking United Nations troops in Korea and had been condemned for engaging in aggression there, the British consider it best to postpone consideration of the representation issue.
I made a few comments on some of the wording in the statement which emphasized the temporary character of the British position. In the course of discussion on this point, Mr. Tomlinson indicated that the British did not regard the conclusion of a cease fire as ipso fecto ending the aggression. He noted that the general tenor of the draft statement seemed much too optimistic as regards the possibility of concluding an armistice, and assured me that in this respect it would not be delivered exactly as drafted.
Mr. Tomlinson noted with regret that at the UNESCO Conference at Paris our representatives had mentioned the December 14 General Assembly resolution in the resolution postponing action on the Chinese representation question. He hoped we might avoid this in the future, as we knew the British did not regard that resolution as a guide for organs which were competent to make their own decisions on this question.