320.2–AC/4–1451: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the United States Mission at the United Nations
secret
Washington, April 14,
1951—3 p. m.
849. Confirming telecons Hyde-Popper. In Dept’s view time has now arrived to take action on our proposal for economic measures against Commie China in AMC. We believe a new manifestation of UN determination to continue opposition to aggression in Korea wld have salutary effect on Chi Commies, in sense that it might help to tip scales in Peiping in favor of negotiations for peaceful settlement and against launching of new offensive.
Fol steps shld now be undertaken:
- 1.
- AMC subcomite on priorities shld be called into session soonest, if possible April 16, with view to establishing priority for consideration of economic measures in AMC. We wld accept limiting subcomite report to AMC to a statement that latter shld consider immediately and urgently possible economic measures.
- 2.
- Our recommendations for economic measures, contained in position paper dated March 26, shld be explained to all other members AMC immediately, so that they may obtain instructions thereon.
- 3.
- If possible, Dept wld wish to have AMC meet on April 18 to begin discussion economic measures, looking toward earliest approval in AMC and GA of res on this subject. Pls report reactions other Dels to this accelerated program and to US proposals.
- 4.
- We wld desire that at such meeting US Rep make initial general statement of econ measures US itself has taken and rationale therefor and that AMC begin consideration of appropriate UN action in which US Rep wld be guided by position paper. We of course desire avoid debate which wld reveal sharp divergencies among important committee members to proposed action but do not feel this consideration shld produce procrastination in scheduling meetings. Intervals between first and subsequent AMC meetings shld be no longer than minimum needed to obtain instructions on US proposal or to attempt persuade non-concurring countries to avoid open opposition.
Acheson