231. Telegram From the Mission at the United Nations to the Department of State1
New
York, February 1, 1956—11
a.m.
546. Re Chinese representation. For the Secretary from Lodge.
- 1.
- There is evidence that the British are seeking to persuade European representatives here of their view that the 11th GA should be called in September, on the grounds that in September it will be easier for the British Cabinet to agree on a moratorium on Chinese representation than it would be in November. This is on the grounds that British Cabinet can give as its excuse the fact of US elections.
- 2.
- The trouble with this argument is that it is implicit in all these conversations that the moratorium would not extend beyond the calendar year 1956. Inasmuch as the 11th GA would inescapably go over into January and possibly February of 1957, regardless of when it starts, a moratorium that extends only through 1956 is virtually worthless.
- 3.
- What we should have is a moratorium which covers the whole term of the 11th GA and a starting date after US elections, not only because of Chinese question but also because of the fact that Cyprus could also embitter Anglo-American relations.
- 4.
- If we are not to have this, I would rather fight the substantive question here on the floor. As I envisage it, this would have to involve initially a motion by a supporter of ChiComs to declare the China seat vacant. This would require a two-thirds vote and if we cannot get a blocking third on an issue of that kind after the election we certainly ought to know it. I think we could get enough votes, allowing for abstention of those who, while not agreeing with us, would abstain in order to prevent split of UN. Am also sure we would be enthusiastically supported by our own public opinion.
Lodge
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 310.2/2-156. Secret; Niact.↩