200. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom1
5613. Assistant Secretary Cleveland invited UK Ambassador April 19 to discuss problem Chinese Representation in UN subsidiary organs. Cleveland recalled in conversation with Ambassador Bruce and Secretary, Lord Home had given impression he desired be helpful in connection this problem, saying it was not UK policy admit Chinese Communists to UN by back door. We agree with UK that legally a number of UN subsidiary bodies are competent determine own membership. However, given UN decision last fall and GA Resolution 396 (V)2 [Page 428] recommending that attitude adopted by General Assembly on membership be taken into account in other UN organs, we believe good case can be made for avoiding issue in subsidiary bodies. We anxious find formula which would avoid public display basic US–UK differences over substance Chinese Representation. With series of meetings of competent bodies scheduled begin next month, we consider it urgent that attempts be made reconcile our positions on this in near future. Cleveland stressed domestic problem which would be created in US if substantive differences with UK on this issue, which arouses such passions here, repeatedly exposed to public view in half-dozen upcoming meetings of subsidiary UN bodies. He pointed out only reason why this did not cause greater difficulties last fall was fact US position sustained by sizeable margin.
Cleveland then handed Ambassador two alternative versions procedural resolutions which we thought should serve as acceptable basis for approach to problem and said he hoped UK would find it possible accept one of these. Text follows:
- I.
-
a) a preambular paragraph recalling GA resolution 396 (V);
b) a preambular para recalling the action which the GA took at its 16th session on December 15, 1961;
c) possibly a preambular para declaring that any action at this time by the body in question to change the representation of China would be inconsistent with the above recommendations and decisions of the General Assembly;
d) an operative paragraph whereby the international body in question would decide not to consider at this session any proposal to change the representation of China.
- II.
-
a) a preambular paragraph recalling GA resolution 396 (V);
b) a preambular para recalling the action which the GA took at its 16th session on December 15, 1961;
c) an operative para whereby the international body in question would decide to refrain from taking action inconsistent with the above-mentioned recommendations and decisions of the GA.
Ambassador said UK has no desire whatever to see Chinese Communists seated in these bodies, but must act, and perhaps speak, in subsidiary bodies in manner consistent with position taken in GA. He recalled UK had voted against Resolution 396 (V). However, Cleveland pointed out this res had been adopted by overwhelming majority and did constitute clear recommendation to all governments by General Assembly. Ormsby-Gore said he did not know if UK would consider itself inhibited from voting for resolution containing reference to it. He thought this would be easier in any event if such reference contained in preambular paragraph rather than in operative paragraph reaffirming resolution. Ormsby-Gore stressed UK anxious not cause more trouble than necessary, but said correspondence between UK-UN and FonOff had not yet resulted in agreement as to how approach problem. He [Page 429] speculated possibly UK might decide simply remain silent when and if question arose and then abstain on resolution. He said however if either of foregoing formulae could be accepted by UK easiest combination for them would probably be (a), (b) and (d) of first alternative, omitting (c) in order avoid establishing general principles and limiting action in effect to year-by-year moratorium.
- Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1960–63, 303/4–1962. Confidential. Drafted by William B. Buffum; cleared by William H. Sullivan, Milton C. Rewinkel, Ernest L. Kerley, and Warren E. Slater; and approved by Assistant Secretary Cleveland. Repeated to USUN.↩
- General Assembly Resolution 396 (V), adopted on December 14, 1950, recommended in cases when more than one authority claimed to be the government of a member state that “the question should be considered in the light of the purposes and principles of the Charter and the circumstances of each case,” the General Assembly (or the Interim Committee if the General Assembly was not in session) should consider the question, and the attitude adopted by the General Assembly (or the Interim Committee) should be taken into account by other organs and specialized agencies.↩