163. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Norway1
230. After Indians (and reportedly other neutrals) declined sponsor issue this year, Soviets have taken initiative inscribe Chirep item on 15th GA agenda.2 As in previous years, U.S. intends move “moratorium” resolution proposing “not to consider” question this session.
[Page 323]Dept fully realizes that Norway and Denmark have opposed U.S. resolution in past years because their conviction that ChiComs should assume China seat and separate membership should be created for “Formosa”. They have considered that their negative vote on moratorium formula has recorded this conviction.
However, during past year ChiCom leaders have stated unequivocally that they would reject any such representation formula as Nordics propose and Soviet bloc has vigorously supported this rejection. These positions, in Dept’s view, demonstrate futility that would be entailed in effort precipitate meaningful discussion Chirep issue in this UNGA. They give positive witness to logic U.S. position that matter should not be considered and make moratorium procedure only reasonable course pursue.
Moreover, in many quarters, Nordic opposition U.S. resolution is construed as implied support ChiCom representation on terms proposed by active sponsors Chirep item. These terms embrace extension ChiCom sovereignty over Taiwan and associated islands. Aside from moral implications these terms entail for surrender 11 million persons to Communist control, military consequences for world-wide defense against Communist territorial expansion are critically significant. Presence large anti-Communist forces on ChiCom flanks constitutes major factor in deterring ChiCom military probes not only into Southeast Asia but elsewhere along their perimeter. Would be difficult calculate magnitude free world effort which would be required restore balance in West Pacific should this deterrent be eliminated. Obvious repercussions such situation for NATO area, and especially for Nordic portion, make negative Norwegian and Danish positions Chirep issue unfortunate in Dept’s view.
Finally, without attempting engage in substantive debate re ChiCom qualifications for UN membership (which Dept continues deny), it should be pointed out that truculent bellicose ChiCom behavior during past year as demonstrated not only in flagrant flouting UN resolution on Tibet, continuation border pressures on India and Nepal, wanton shelling off shore islands, but also in violent polemic with Soviets within bloc re “inevitability” war raises question whether, regardless their international behavior, ChiComs should be able year after year count on automatic support free world nations which have serious and demonstrated zeal for international morality.
Using foregoing rationale, Embassies Oslo and Copenhagen are requested approach host governments at highest appropriate level in effort obtain their support U.S. moratorium formula 15th GA. If, despite this approach, Norway and Denmark vigorously resist switch to moratorium support, Embassy should, as minimum, suggest delegates absent themselves from vote. This suggestion made in effort keep as many NATO members as possible from abstaining or opposing moratorium. [Page 324] FYI: Embassies Reykjavik and Lisbon being instructed make approaches in similar vein.3 End FYI.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 303/9–1560. Confidential. Drafted by Sullivan; cleared by Rosen and Nunley and in draft with Caprio; and approved by Cargo. Sent also to Copenhagen and repeated to Paris for USRO and to USUN.↩
- Gromyko requested inclusion of the item in a September 5 telegram to Hammarskjõld. For texts of the telegram and of the explanatory memorandum that accompanied it, see U.N. doc. A4474.↩
- A copy of telegram 57 to Reykjavik, September 15, is in Department of State, Central Files, 303/9–1560. A copy of telegram 110 to Lisbon, September 15, is ibid., 320/8–2460.↩