Foreign Relations of the United States, 1951, The United Nations; The Western Hemisphere, Volume II

320/11–251: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin)¹

secret
priority

Washington, November 2, 1951—6:07 p.m.

Gadel 49. For the Secretary.² London’s 2141 rptd for GADel as 902 indicates Eden anticipates discussing with Secretary question Chi Rep in UN.

WFM T–10/3b³ this subject still valid. Additional background: Last May US and UK agreed to moratorium on their differences over Chi Rep, thru formula for postponement action on proposals seat Chi Commies or unseat Chi Nats in UN bodies. For 6th session GA, we have proposed to UK two possible courses of action both of which we feel come within moratorium agreement: (a) Motion that 6th GA decide take no action on any proposals to exclude Chi Nat Rep or seat Chi Commie, or (b) motion to postpone consideration any such proposals for duration 6th session.

UK has indicated most it will agree to is motion postpone consideration this question sine die. They are afraid that like 5th Session, 6th might last all year, and they are not ready freeze position for that long. Dept feels strongly sine die postponement insufficient since it wld permit Sov raise question repeatedly during 6th Session.

It is recommended that you stress to Eden that US appreciates UK situation re Chi Rep in UN and spirit cooperation leading to moratorium. US in no way seeking press UK go beyond agreed compromise position. We feel strongly, however, that US proposal for procedures 6th Session only practical way maintaining moratorium position without allowing Sov opportunity to hamper GA proceedings and seek repeated propaganda victories by raising Chi Rep question over and over in Assembly. From UK point of view also, it wld seem desirable assure that question wld not arise more than once during Paris session and thus UK be spared need reassert its delicate position this question.

It is also recommended that you indicate confidence we can prevent, prolongation 6th GA session. We are prepared, however, accept procedure which makes it clear that question is postponed only “for duration 6th session GA in Paris”. If 6th session recesses to convene later, we wld agree consult further at that time.

UK EmbOff reiterated UK position to Hickerson Nov 2. Hickerson reviewed US position and indicated he wld recommend to you proposal in previous para.

Webb

1. Repeated for information to London as 2317.
2. The Secretary of State arrived in Paris on November 1, to head the United States Delegation to the General Assembly.
3. This was the briefing memorandum of August 31, prepared for the use of the Secretary of State at the Washington Tripartite Ministerial meetings; see p. 261.