162. Telegram From the Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom1
4858. Communicate following views to Eden requesting urgent response.
I am concerned at fact UN Security Council not following up New Zealand initiative on Oracle which was begun on January 31, and that it has not met on subject in more than five weeks. Fortunately military situation in Chinese offshore islands has remained quiet. We cannot be sure how long this will continue.
USSR assumes presidency of Security Council for month of April. This will increase difficulty of pressing ahead with Oracle or of having recourse to Security Council if Chinese Communists should begin military operations against islands within that period.
In our view it remains as important as ever to keep public attention focused on fact that we all favor and are pushing for cessation of hostilities in offshore island area. This is the strength of our position, and it is ground on which we can all stand united. If we take no further action on Oracle, we run risk of having public lose sight of fact that Communist aggressive posture is real source of threat to peace in Formosa area and that we are all bound by UN Charter to settle disputes by peaceful methods. Surely a cease-fire is the essential first step when shots are being exchanged.
For our part we would much prefer to secure prompt vote on New Zealand resolution even assuming Soviet veto, in which case it would be perfectly clear who opposes cease-fire proposal. I appreciate UK reluctance carry matters this far at present stage. I do however feel we can gain benefit from another Security Council posting before Soviet representative takes chair. At such meeting New Zealand representative would introduce resolution and we would all speak to it so as to emphasize our common desire for a cease-fire and our hope that, if our restraint is matched by Communists, hostilities could be avoided. We would not put resolution to immediate vote if UK opposed.
I believe New Zealand would agree to this procedure and I hope you will likewise comment so that UN delegations New York can make necessary tactical arrangements for meeting before April 1.
I have just spoken with Sir Robert Scott2 and informed him of foregoing, emphasising that: [Page 388]
- (a)
- I hoped UK would realize they would be taking on a heavy responsibility if they were to deny us right to make our views on this matter known to rest of world through Security Council; and
- (b)
- I believed it very important this step be taken within next few days not only because of pending Soviet chairmanship of Security Council but also in order that discussion might take place before opening of Afro-Asian Conference when ChiComs will doubtless present their case.