310.2/6–2950
Memorandum by Mr. G. Hayden Raynor, United Nations Adviser, Bureau of European Affairs, to the Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs (Perkins)
Subject: Chinese Representation in the UN—Short-term Position
The Security Council meeting on Tuesday [June 27] demonstrated that for quick emergency action at the moment, we required the vote of the Chinese National Government in order to get the required seven votes for action.1 Hence, it seems to me to be clear that at least while the present situation exists, it is important to us that the Chinese Nationals retain their seat. Hence, it seems to me that at least for the short term some change in our present position of “neutrality” on this question is in order. The situation has an urgent aspect because the British had been intending, at the opening of the ECOSOC meeting in Geneva on July 3, to change their vote from one of abstention to favoring the unseating of the Chinese Nationals and presumably the seating of the Chinese Communists. A telegram from London Embassy indicates that because of present developments the British may not take this position but the telegram was not definite. I think the situation calls for us to urge the British not to make this change in Geneva and I would also think serious consideration should be given to our letting other delegations generally know that because of recent developments we think, at least at this time, there should be no change in the status quo on the representation question.
I have given these views to Ruth Bacon as FE is the center of gravity in the Department on this question.
- For documentation regarding the outbreak of hostilities in Korea on June 25 and the United Nations response, see volume vii .↩