Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume V, United Nations, 1969–1972

394. Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State¹

New York, August 11, 1971, 0100Z.

2193. Subj: Chirep—Advantages of Separate Agenda Item.

1. Mission of definite opinion that we should seek to inscribe separate agenda item on Chirep with neutral formulation “the representation of China in the UN”.

2. Issue has already surfaced in wording of first preambular para in our draft DR res and at Aug 3 meeting of potential cosponsors. If we do not seek inscription of a separate agenda item we will be faced with equally difficult task of seeking to change wording of Albanian item.

3. New agenda item helps dramatize that we, as result of new US policy announced Aug 2, in an entirely new ballgame. We are not just trying to block adoption of traditional AR under “restoration of rights” rubric—we are making major and serious attempt to solve difficult problem by providing for representation of PRC and ROC in UN thereby recognizing existing realities without prejudicing either’s claims.

4. Japanese are attracted to idea of separate agenda item and have suggested one possibility might be to seek priority in General Committee for our neutrally worded item together with draft reses circulated in connection with it. Japanese mission tells us they have recommended to Tokyo that Japan cosponsor separate agenda item.²

Bush

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, UN 6 CHICOM. Confidential; Priority. Repeated to Taipei and Tokyo.
2. Telegram 150415, August 13, authorized USUN to request the inscription of a new agenda item, “The Representation of China in the United Nations.” Bush was advised not to seek additional co-sponsors in view of Secretary Rogers’ August 2 announcement. Potential co-sponsors were to be advised in advance, and the new item was to be inscribed before August 21. (Ibid.)