310.2/8–1551: Telegram
The United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin) to the Secretary of State
233. Re Chinese representation, French views. In discussion with Gross, Lacoste1 expressed “personal view” that France would be strongly tempted to vote to admit Chi Coms if latter held out prospect of a “Kaesong in Indochina.”
He inquired whether US would modify or soften its position re admission of Chi Coms in event Korean armistice. Gross expressed strongest opinion contrary, commenting that matter of Chi Com admission could not in our view even be seriously considered until and unless Chi Coms radically changed their behavior and attitude toward international obligations.
To Lacoste’s comment that end of fighting in Korea might meet objection we had raised to “Communist shooting their way into UN,” Gross replied that end of fighting would not in itself end Communist aggression, and, moreover, we felt Chi Com misbehavior precluded serious consideration their claim for seat.2
- Francis Lacoste, French Minister, Alternate Representative of France at the United Nations.↩
- The Department of State repeated this telegram to the Embassy in France on August 16, warning, however, that no approach to the French Government was desired at this time. The Department was interested in Embassy comment as to the extent to which “personal views Lacoste reflect official French views”. (Department telegram 1027, August 16, 6 p.m., to Paris, 310.2/8–1551)↩