320/11–151: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Gifford) to the Secretary of State
priority
[Received November 1—2:37 p. m.]
2141. Re Deptels 22721 and 2273 Chi representation: Emb approached UN Dept along lines Deptels and stressed urgency and importance US attaches to this question. FonOff said Eden earlier in day had approved tel to Wash and Paris reaffirming UK’s earlier objections to US proposals and emphasizing UK’s reluctance “even temporarily” to appear to imply Chi nationalists more entitled to seat in UN than Chi Commies.
Eden had added that present moratorium represented laboriously achieved compromise between UK’s desire to maintain friendly cooperation with US and “existing commitments” and that UK wished no deviation from or revision of moratorium arrangement. Eden had been informed before approving UK position Emb making high level urgent approach on this question, and been given substance US arguments put foreward to UK UNDel. He will be briefed on question and had already anticipated discussing it with Secy in Paris. We have impression Eden at present approaching matter cautiously because of domestic pol situation.
UK’s objections as given Emb by FonOff were along same lines as previously expressed to Dept (circular airgram Oct 24, 19512). UK is not confident we can prevent prolongation session and does not want to go beyond limits present moratorium arrangement in committing itself to possible prolonged postponement consideration issue. While admitting danger continued Sov obstruction, UK believes situation can be kept under control.
FonOff promised, however, to restudy US proposals before Eden leaves Sunday.
Sent Dept 2141, rptd info priority Paris for GADel 902.