310.2/6–1153
The United States Representative at the United Nations (Lodge) to the Secretary of State
Dear Foster: I believe that I should receive authorization as promptly as possible to use the veto concerning the seating of the Chinese Communists if it appears expedient to do so.
It appears to me now that I would only want to do it as a last resort.
The arguments in favor of adhering to the Acheson position that the seating of the Chinese Communists is procedural seems to boil down to the two arguments—1) that the United States has made a great virtue of not using the veto and has made a big campaign in the past against the Soviets because they did use it; and 2) that if we use the veto in this case, it can be turned against us later.
The contrary argument seems to be much more persuasive. We face a situation of a magnitude which will probably not be repeated—which disposes of argument No. 2. Also the Acheson decision was based on special factors that existed at the time. Furthermore, his administration was so noted for its failure as regards China that it would actually tend to promote confidence if we made it quite clear that we did not consider ourselves bound by his actions.
Inasmuch as this will require action by the National Security Council, I request that such action be taken, so that I may be free to use the veto if it seems desirable.
Sincerely yours,