232. Memorandum of a Conversation Between the Chinese Ambassador (Koo) and the Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs (Robertson), Department of State, Washington, March 1, 19551
SUBJECT
- Eden-Eisenhower Talks
The Ambassador then referred to the recent Eisenhower-Eden talks in Washington.2 He said he was gratified to note the strong position the President had taken in opposition to the Chinese Communists. He asked if it were true that Eden had promised to consult with other members of the cabinet upon his return to London with a view to insuring the continued exclusion of the Chinese Communists from the United Nations.
Mr. Robertson said Eden had not promised anything. The President had stated in the most unequivocal terms the unqualified opposition of the United States to the admission of Communist China to the United Nations. Eden had simply said that his Government would carefully consider the possibility of continued British support for the present “moratorium” arrangement in the United Nations, and let us know the decision as soon as possible. We have not heard anything from London yet. The President’s strong statement as to the unacceptability of Communist China was made to the full British delegation and left them in no doubt where the United States stood on this question.
Ambassador Koo asked if the proposed arrangement was the same as before.
Mr. Robertson said this was correct. It was only the strong stand of the United States which made this arrangement possible.
Ambassador Koo said that various countries which had been friendly now seemed to be receptive to the admission of Communist China. This made the position more difficult.
Mr. Robertson said the situation had been more difficult ever since the Chinese Government’s veto of the membership application of Outer Mongolia. Notwithstanding the difficulties of holding the line, the United States is adamant in its stand against Communist China. The United States is absolutely firm on this. There has been [Page 471] no wavering at any time. Both the Republican and Democratic parties are solid on this issue. It is not a partisan question.
- Source: USUN Files, IO, Dels, China. Confidential. Drafted by McConaughy. A note on the source text indicates that separate memoranda were prepared on the following topics: “Resignation of Ambassador Koo,” “Neutralist Trends in Italy and Cambodia,” “Geneva Talks with Chinese Communists,” and “Secretary’s Visits to Taipei and New Dehli,” none printed.↩
- See Document 230.↩