210. Telegram From the Embassy in the Republic of China to the Department of State1
1483. 1. Acting FonMin Sampson Shen called me to MOFA 5:30 local time this afternoon to inform me officially that a GRC decision has been taken at the highest level that if Italian resolution calling for study committee were to pass, the GRC will on the same day announce its withdrawal from the UN. He said GRC had telegraphed to FonMin Wei today, telling him to convey this decision to Secretary, if in New York, and to Goldberg.
[Page 441]2. Shen said that decision reached after consideration of its consequences, and was taken in light of fact that USG, after supporting position of GRC in UN for many years, now felt it necessary support study committee resolution that has effect of calling into question GRC rights as founding members of UN. GRC felt it would only encounter insults if it stayed in after study committee resolution is passed. GRC would continue to work against resolution, and felt there was some possibility it might not pass.
3. I registered vigorous adverse reaction to decision, terming it hasty, ill-advised, not consonant with position taken by FonMin Wei with Secretary last week, and not in line with our agreed policy of close advance consultation and cooperation on matters of major mutual concern. I noted that step if taken would amount to abandonment of UN field to ChiComs presenting them with a major opportunity which they might seize to detriment of all allies.
4. I deplored GRC failure to give me chance to present US position again before decision taken and said I would prefer not to take decision as definitive at this stage. I put Shen on notice that GRC might receive request from me for early appointment with Pres. Chiang after I had received instructions from Washington.
5. Full report of conversation follows septel.2