Office of the Historian

326. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the Republic of China1

Washington, September 13, 1968, 2338Z.

238678. Subj: US-Canadian Talks on UNGA.

1.
Following FYI are excerpts concerning China from Embassy Ottawa report of Ball-Sisco talks with Canadian officials Sept.10.
2.
ExtAff Min Sharp said Canadian Government’s objective was mutual recognition between Ottawa and Peking. Road would not be easy, and Canada did not want to jeopardize interests of others and was troubled about contribution to world peace. It would be a little while before contacts were made, and in meantime contacts would be made with friends around world.
3.
Sharp said that his Government was not intending to make any direct contacts with Peking at present time and procedure for pursuing objective was not yet firm. He said he saw no reason to change Canadian posture on China at this GA. Canadians recognize that if they do achieve mutual recognition between Peking and Ottawa, they would have to show consistency in UN. But matter would not arise this session. Amb. Ball stated that US policy remained same as at previous sessions: Viet-Nam figured importantly in this matter for us. Sharp then said that CanDel at UN would support Important Question resolution, would abstain on Albanian-type resolution, and would give no encouragement to any Italian Study Committee proposal. Ultimate intention was to change position, but it would not happen at this session. Ambassador Ball estimated that Italy could well be expected to put up again its Study Committee resolution in view of former Moro government’s having done no less. He thought voting pattern would remain about same. He said that if mutual recognition should transpire, Canadian Ambassador ought to be provided with file and loaf of bread. Sharp responded by saying that Canadians would also have to provide more police to follow Chinese Representatives in Canada. But he went on more seriously to say that Canada hoped it could promote communications with Peking, which would make effort worthwhile. Canadian public supported Government’s position.
4.
Dept officers briefed GRC Embassy Sept. 13 concerning talks, noting that while Canadians made no commitments, we conclude they do not intend change their ChiRep policy during GA this year.
Rusk
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 16 CHICOM. Confidential. Drafted by Thomas H. Walsh of IO/UNP; cleared by Gleysteen, Shoesmith, and Rufus Z. Smith of EUR/CAN; approved by Sisco. Repeated to USUN and Ottawa.↩