233. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom1
7212. Believe time has come take preliminary sounding on progress British have made toward decision to support moratorium arrangement on Chinese representation at Eleventh UN General Assembly. In Eden-Eisenhower talks, President and Secretary stressed importance US attaches maintaining position in UN of Government Republic China and exclusion Chinese Communist regime, and Secretary asked UK support for moratorium extending duration next GA—i.e., from November 12 opening through conclusion presumably early 1957. Eden noncommittal but indications were that matter would go to Cabinet and decision be reached near future.
Suggest early opportunity be taken initiate inquiry at appropriate level Foreign Office as to status British consideration this question. Inquiry should avoid appearance of concern at delay, recognizing considerable problems involved for UK, but elicit clues principal factors British thinking. (FYI whether they view problem as straightforward question continuation present formula but for full session or as one of attaching conditions. End FYI.)
We have in mind informal follow up here at Murphy–Makins level.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 320/5–2956. Confidential. Repeated to USUN. Signed by Wilcox for Hoover.↩