252. Circular Airgram From the Department of State to All Diplomatic and Consular Missions1
CG–500
Re CG–326.2 Although gratified that the Chinese representation moratorium formula once again approved by UNGA, Department was disappointed results our efforts obtain greater support this year than last (see ref).
Chiefs of Mission at their discretion requested to take appropriate opportunity to express Department’s appreciation to Governments to which accredited regarding continued support moratorium or abstentions (Libya, Saudi Arabia and Tunisia) in face of pressures to oppose it. Dept believes that particular gratitude due Liberia. Dept also appreciates and commends Ambassadors who were instrumental in maintaining or changing positions as requested by Dept (Tunisia and Pakistan).
Dept also desires Missions extend thanks to countries whose representatives spoke in favor of moratorium: Spain, Greece, UK, Panama, Costa Rica, Australia and Philippines. (US Del particularly noted effectiveness Philippino statement.)
[Page 452]Numerous abstentions of new African members are of course matter of serious concern, especially since Cameroun, Togo, Malagasy, Congo (Brazzaville) and Senegal had recognized GRC and Entente and Central African states had been regarded as sympathetic.
Dept particularly disappointed by votes of Cyprus, Ethiopia and Nigeria. Ethiopia’s negative vote especially is matter of concern in view Department’s efforts obtain some prior knowledge its position and its record of support for moratorium prior 1959 when it abstained.
As noted in CG–326 majority (13) of new members abstained on the moratorium resolution; while three voted against; none voted for. Of old members, Malaya and Laos changed from support to abstention; Ethiopia and Cuba from abstention to opposition.
There was series of five preliminary votes before tally on moratorium as whole. In these votes, as in vote on whole, negative ballots remained constant both as to number (34) and composition. Positive votes and abstentions were, on other hand, subject to fluctuation in both categories.
Thus in two instances in preliminary votes (those dealing with whether or not GA should accept for its agenda Soviet item on Chinese representation), ballots for and against came within four votes of one another (see paragraphs numbered 1 and 4 of reference). In each of these two votes Ecuador, Mexico, New Zealand and Venezuela (all of which supported us on the vote as a whole), abstained. (Three of these—Mexico, New Zealand and Venezuela—abstained in similar votes last year; Ecuador voted with us.)
On the two preliminary votes which dealt with the proposal that GA would not consider any proposals on Chinese representation (see paragraphs numbered 3 and 5 of reference), Panama and Mexico abstained on one; Panama alone abstained on other. (Last year Mexico voted similarly; Panama voted with us.)
In reviewing these votes Dept sees three problems which face us in dealing with this question. First, and most important, is attitude of the new African members; second is fluctuation in preliminary votes by number of states which support our overall position and third is constancy or hard core of opposing ballots.
Department analyzing significance these votes, especially those of new member states, in terms tactics, arguments and approaches which may be indicated in future handling this problem. In meantime Dept wishes stress continuing significance Chirep policy to total US position in Far East and as primary factor deterring expanded ChiCom influence internationally, particularly in underdeveloped areas. Posts should underline latter point in discussions with host governments and responsible opinion formers.