340/6–3053: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the United States Delegation to the Economic and Social Council at Geneva and to the Embassy in the United Kingdom1
priority
Socec 1 (Geneva) and 15 (London). Re Chinese representation question.
I. Since as on some other occasions USSR has failed raise issue at opening plenary, question likely arise in following ways: (a) when report credentials considered in form objection validity credentials representatives Chi Natl Govt; (b) in form request for inclusion new urgent and important item in agenda under Rule 16; or (c) at subsequent plenary meeting in form usual proposal exclude Chi Natl Reps and invite Chi Commies.
II. Following procedural courses appear Dept (a) to accord with “moratorium arrangement” which, on basis reports London, we definitely understand UK intends continue for immediate post-armistice period at least; and (b) on basis our information likely to be supported by large number Council Members whether or not there is armistice in Korea.
A. In event I (a) above USRep should state this raises substance Chi representation issue and should move that Council (1) postpone for duration session consideration of all proposals which would have effect excluding Chi Natl representatives and/or seating Chi Commie representatives; and (2) find that credentials Chi Natl Reps have been submitted in proper form. USRep should ensure this procedural motion put vote first. In advancing motion he should make appropriate statement along lines Dept’s A–43 June 12 to USUN which we understand Bell took Geneva.
Important that clauses above procedural motion be submitted in order indicated since it may otherwise be difficult, for technical reasons, for UK and certain other states which recognize Chi Commies give affirmative support. For ur info suggested motion is similar to resolution submitted by US and approved by Credentials Committee seventh GA on Oct 17, 1952. Chi Rep question arose in Credentials Comite [Page 682] in form Soy proposal calling upon GA to regard as invalid credentials representatives Chi Natl Govt. US resolution was put vote first, at demand US, was adopted and Sov motion not put to vote.
B. In event I (b) above USRep should move that Council decide (1) to reject request for inclusion item in agenda; and (2) to postpone for duration session any further proposals exclude Chi Natl representatives from Council or to seat Chi Commies. In advancing motion USRep should make statement along lines A–43 to USUN, including statement to effect that adoption his motion would mean that Chi Natl representatives would continue be seated.
This procedure along identical lines that used General Comite sixth GA when USSR proposed inclusion urgent and important item entitled “The representation of China in the UN”.
C. In event I (c) above, USRep should follow procedure outlined position paper.
III. Suggest USDel discuss above procedures with UKRep soonest. Since “moratorium arrangement” UK has agreed use almost identical procedures when Chi Rep issue raised other UN bodies in same circumstances as those outlined above, and UKRep should therefore have no difficulty agreeing their use ECOSOC.
AmEmbassy London requested approach FonOff with view securing despatch instructions UKDel soonest.
IV. In mid-June US Ambassadors friendly UN countries were requested solicit at high level post-armistice support our position on Chi Rep question. On basis response their capitals, you should have no difficulty in obtaining support Australia, Cuba, France, Philippines, Turkey and UK for above procedures whether or not there is Korean armistice. While no responses yet recd their capitals we have no reason expect Argentina, Belgium, Uruguay and Venezuela will fail support US. On basis Cairo’s response Egypt will not support seating Chi Commies, although not clear whether it would support or abstain on procedural action. After you agree on procedures with UK suggest you seek support other friendly Members. In unlikely event ur canvass does not indicate adequate support, Dept will approach appropriate capitals.
- Drafted by Gough and concurred in by the Officer in Charge, Pacific Settlement Affairs (Stein); cleared with the Bureau of Far Eastern Affairs, the Bureau of European Affairs, L/UNA and the Executive Secretariat; approved for transmission and signed by Wainhouse.↩