Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, United Nations and General International Matters, Volume II

137. Telegram From the Department of State to the Mission at the United Nations¹

Washington, April 22, 1960—5 p.m.

862. Re ChiRep. Department of course shares concern expressed your telegrams 1028 and 1056² re ChiRep issue at 15th GA and will continue make every effort maintain majority support as in past years for moratorium formula.

In LA area we are preparing high level approach to Venezuela.³ Information from Embassies Quito and Buenos Aires indicates likelihood continued cooperation Ecuador and Argentina on moratorium. Cuban attitude is admittedly unfavorable.

Information on views prospective new African members can only be speculative at this stage, based primarily on attitudes re GRC representation and invitations to independence celebrations. This shows fair possibility balance in favor GRC on ChiRep issue. GRC attended Cameroun ceremonies and has been invited to Togo. We are hopeful for similar invitation to Belgian Congo. Moreover information received from Malagasy Republic seems favorable.

We thus see likelihood maintenance majority close to proportions of previous years. Agree however situation at next GA will be more difficult and will require continuous attention, with intensified representations as GA approaches.

Under circumstances presently envisaged Department believes we should at next GA employ same tactics as in past years, i.e. apply moratorium both to inscription and resolution. Despite restiveness of some members on moratorium on inscription, this has now become classic formula which has served us well, and we believe its abandonment would raise misunderstandings, confusion, and be of net disadvantage to us. Some might also use such abandonment as excuse for changing their position. We are especially concerned that if item is once placed on agenda there is great danger that situation might well get out of hand, especially since we might face increased possibility of GA votes on whole range of substantive issues involved. Use of moratorium formula not inconsistent with increased attention in debate to actions of ChiComs and undesirability of seating them.

Department would appreciate your views on foregoing considerations.⁴

Herter

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 303/4–2260. Confidential. Drafted by Hawley on April 15; initialed by Cargo and Sisco; cleared by Herz, Nunley, Monsma, Bacon, and Ludlow; and approved by Wilcox who signed for Herter. Repeated by pouch to Caracas.
2. Telegram 1028, April 6, reported that several Latin American nations at the 15th U.N. General Assembly might not support the U.S. position on Chinese representation and suggested that the United States allow the item to be inscribed on the General Assembly agenda, but continue to seek a moratorium resolution. (Ibid., 303/4–660) Telegram 1056, April 13, estimated how a vote on such a resolution would break down. (Ibid., 303/4–1360)
3. At Sparks’ suggestion, Herter on June 20 sent the Venezuelan Foreign Minister a letter soliciting Venezuela’s support at the 15th General Assembly for the U.S. position on Chinese representation. (Ibid., 303/6–2060)
4. Telegram 1185 from USUN, May 11, agreed that as long as no harmful erosion of support for the U.S. position on Chinese representation was envisioned, there was no reason to change tactics on this issue at the 15th General Assembly. It noted, however, indications that votes would be lost on it, as well as signs that some African nations would not abstain on the question. (Ibid., 303/5–1160)