320/4–253: Telegram
The United States Representative at the United Nations (Lodge) to the Department of State
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Delga 523. Re Korea. Menon called on me this morning and said he felt UN should not pay less attention to “outbreak of peace” than to outbreak of war. He felt function of UN was not exclusively to take action against aggressor, but should also include assistance in making peace where possible. He said he had no thought in his mind of transferring negotiations from Panmunjom to New York. Without detracting in any way from responsibility of UNC and necessity for command decisions to be taken by UNC, he said he thought it would be a bad thing to have Korea appear as just an American show. He also thought it was not in keeping with the dignity and prestige of the UN to ignore the Chou En-lai overtures.
He said that he did not think Vishinsky would make trouble for us because whatever Russian motives and objectives might be, it is apparent their policy has changed and they now want to “make peace”.
On role of India he said he thought we should not allow an impression to exist that US wanted to wage war (or peace) one way and Soviet Union another while India stood for peace. He said he thought attitude should be all of us are for peace.
Coming down to particulars, Menon has urged Pearson to transmit Chou En-lai’s communication to Chairman of First Committee. Menon clearly wants to take floor at outset of First Committee meeting Tuesday morning1 presumably to make remarks along foregoing lines. Menon urged strongly that I present at same time some kind of report from General Clark on status of situation and express US Government views with regard thereto. I agreed to meet with him 10 a.m. Tuesday morning at UN Headquarters; it may be preferable for me to communicate our views to him Monday afternoon.
Muniz telephoned Ross this morning and said that some notice should be taken on phase of Korean developments. He has in mind a procedural resolution which would: (a) Take note of Chou En-lai’s declaration and (b) express the hope of the GA that it would finally be possible to conclude an armistice. Muniz felt that something of this sort is essential (a) to establish the continuity (link) of UN interest in Korean developments and (b) to avoid something worse. He has in mind adoption [Page 837] of such resolution would help avoid discussion of POW and armistice negotiations as well as bright ideas Menon or others might get.
Muniz is very anxious not to take any steps which would foul our lines. If we approve of foregoing idea he has in mind organizing small group of sponsors including some of his LA colleagues.
Muniz will give us later today text of type of resolution he would suggest.2
While close coordination with Muniz, British and others is essential, I have in mind it would be good idea unless some objection is perceived to suggest to Menon that he introduce resolution expressing hope that exchange of sick and wounded will soon be an accomplished fact.