142. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the Philippines1
94. FYI Prime Minister Rahman of Malaya has called publicly for seating of Communist China in UN on condition that Government [Page 267] Republic of China (GRC) be allowed remain in UN as Government of independent Taiwan. Rahman has indicated privately he greatly concerned by threat to peace posed by ChiComs and apparently is convinced this threat can best be met by bringing ChiComs into UN and attempting to inculcate in them sense of responsibility. Rahman has also expressed opinion that seating of ChiComs in UN would provide necessary safety valve to ease increasing tensions within Communist China. Rahman may be receiving dangerously warped information on Communist China since one of his principal sources is Malayan Chinese college-mate who fought with Communist terrorists against Malayan Government until he escaped from Malaya to Communist China.
Rahman has stated emphatically, both publicly and privately, that his proposals do not reflect any softening of Federation Govt opposition to communism. He says even if his proposals are accepted Malaya while granting recognition ChiComs and GRC would not exchange diplomatic representatives with either. Forthcoming termination state of emergency, Malayan term for Government’s war against Communist rebellion, eliminates basis, in Rahman’s view, for continuation government’s opposition to bilateral recognition ChiComs and their seating in UN on basis of GRC membership also. Rahman apparently fears increasing criticism and disaffection among large body Malayan Chinese if such opposition is maintained. Furthermore, Rahman’s thinking toward Communist China appears to have been significantly influenced by Prime Minister Nash and possibly by European officials whom Rahman met during recent visit to U.K. and Western Europe.
Federation cabinet, especially Foreign Minister, and Federation Govt generally are reported strongly opposed to Rahman’s proposals. Principal Malay opposition party has publicly criticized them. Does not appear however Rahman yet ready change his mind, especially since ChiComs have so far refrained from attacking his proposals. Rahman apparently has not yet decided on what action Federation Government should take implement his proposals. Quite possible however that unless Rahman changes his mind Federation Govt may reverse its previous position and abstain or vote against Chi rep moratorium resolution during upcoming 15th UNGA and also seek support for seating both GRC and Communist China in UN.
Department deeply concerned by Rahman’s proposals. We convinced that they not only impractical but fact they proposed by hitherto staunch supporter free world would fortify ChiComs in their dangerous attitude and belligerent expansionist tactics. We have so informed Rahman but apparently have not been able budge him from his new views. U.K. and Australian High Commissioners in Kuala Lumpur have also tried to get Rahman back on track but with negative [Page 268] results. Outgoing French Ambassador told our Chargé in Kuala Lumpur that during his farewell call on Rahman latter appeared “undeflectable” in his new course.
India has not so far proposed inscription item on Chinese representation which it has proposed every year since 1956. Prospect exists that acrimonious debate on Chi rep issue may be largely avoided or confined to credentials context. It would be regrettable if Malaya should take initiative which clearly can have no practical result except to give impetus to controversy in GA which will be fully occupied with Africa, and other immediately pressing matters.
Problem compounded for US by fact Rahman has accepted President’s invitation to make official visit to US late next October. Rahman has stated he must feel free speak his heart and mind on Communist China problem. We, of course, have assured him that although we would not wish put any restrictions on his freedom of speech while in US we would hope he would express himself on subject in such a way as to avoid embarrassment to President or US Govt. End FYI.
For Ambassador Hickerson
In view of the foregoing [Page 269] would appreciate your views on desirability discussing problem with President Garcia and suggesting to him that during his forthcoming visit to Malaya he attempt persuade Rahman abandon his proposals.
For Ambassador Sebald
In view of foregoing would appreciate your views on feasibility your discussing problem with Menzies and suggesting to him that the send Rahman personal message, urging him withdraw his proposals and return to Malaya’s pre-existing position on Communist China.
For Morris
Would appreciate your views on desirability your discussing this problem with appropriate U.K. authorities and suggesting high-level U.K. approach to Rahman persuade him reconsider his current position.
For Unger
In view of foregoing would appreciate your view on desirability your discussing this problem with appropriate Thai authorities in hopes that Thai Govt in turn might communicate with Rahman regarding it. Rahman believed be on close terms with Thai Govt based partly on fact his mother was Thai princess.
For Ambassador Dowling
Would appreciate your view on desirability your discussing this problem with appropriate German authorities and suggesting high-level German approach to Rahman persuade him reconsider his current position.2
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 303/7–2560. Secret; Limit Distribution. Drafted by FE/SPA on July 22; cleared by Bock, Steeves, SPA, S/S, BNA, GER, CA, and in draft with Bacon; and approved by Parsons who signed for Herter. Also sent to Canberra, Bangkok, London, and Bonn; and repeated to Kuala Lumpur. The time of transmission is illegible on the source text.↩
- Hickerson responded in telegram 148 from Manila, July 27, that he thought speaking with President Garcia was an excellent idea, and that he would seek an appointment with him upon receiving instructions to do so. Sebald stated in telegram 44 from Canberra, July 27, that he believed Menzies would discuss the problem with him frankly and would agree to send a letter to Rahman. Telegram 472 from London, July 27, replied that the Embassy would approach the Foreign Office upon receiving instructions to do so, and suggested that the Department call in the British Ambassador or Minister at the same time. Unger proposed in telegram 144 from Bangkok, July 28, that he review the contents of this telegram with the Thai Acting Foreign Minister and suggested that the Chinese Ambassador to Thailand might help with this problem. In telegram 189 from Bonn, July 27, Dowling questioned the efficacy of asking the German Government to approach Rahman, but suggested he see how senior Foreign Ministry officials responded to the idea. (Ibid., 303/7–2760 through 7–2860)↩