Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, The United Nations; The Western Hemisphere, Volume II

501.BB/9–2549: Telegram

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

secret

New York, September 25, 1949—2:18 p. m.

Delga 26. For Rusk from Jessup. Since Del has had inadequate opportunity full discussion Chinese case, am sending these personal views responsive your telephone request for use Monday staff meeting.

Taking as hypothesis Chinese will introduce agenda item in GC where US will support putting on agenda pursuant standard policy and without opinion on merits. Believe considerable vote will support this step. Recommend US in GC and plenary debate stick to general policy inclusion agenda item and avoid being drawn into debate on merits at this stage even if USSR provocative. Believe USDel should have discretion re committee allocation but Committee One probably preferable ad hoc. Under present expectations Chinese item could not clear GC and plenary before end of week. If Greek case plans successful Committee One might by that time have begun ItCols.¹ Chinese case could come next as urgent item. If ItCols not already taken up our stand on precedence Chinese case will immediately be considered reflection US general attitude. Chinese may see desirability deferment allowing time consultation and preparation case other Dels but contrariwise they may be anxious act before CCP² further consolidates regime. Depite our general preference take up ItCols soonest, would advise in terms our general position China affairs we take position their case is on its face urgent and should receive precedence. Believe Department should carefully consider general effect US position this first step in terms Congressional and public opinion. Assuming violent Soviet attitude including attacks on US with expected quotes White Paper, doubt if we can or should remain aloof. Indifference allegations Russian imperialism sweeping Asia, etc., would have bad effect other Asian states, especially in view line taken White Paper letter transmittal.³ Attitude US will also be estimated in terms recent A-bomb statements.⁴ Recommend high level talks Congressional leaders as soon as Chinese item actually introduced, pointing out all implications stand we take in GA. We run risk of being maneuvered into general support Nationalist Government unless plans carefully developed, clear position taken immediately and freely communicated other Dels. Still believe best line would be to say we understand Chinese case involves question allegations treaty breach and threat to Chinese independence and integrity. We would state we will await Chinese development their case but then be prepared support resolution recommending parties refer treaty breach ICJ and another resolution along lines Nine-Power Treaty but not referring to that treaty. Latter resolution would universalize historic American policy and should attract support India and many others as middle of road line defending a principle without finding of Soviet guilt or consequent denunciation. Will try send draft such resolution for Department’s consideration shortly. Proposed Formosa aspect should await developments in debate and in China.

Must consider also whether US should sponsor or join in sponsoring resolutions. Can see definite advantages terms US opinion in sponsoring second resolution especially. Joint sponsorship would be helpful.

Would reemphasize importance being prepared to take clear and definite line with other Dels as soon as case introduced GC with reference both US and GA opinion and effect Asian countries. This may indicate desirability immediate talks at least Connally⁵ and Vandenberg.⁶ Repeat these are personal and not USDel views.

Forgot include report my recent lunch conversation Tsiang possibly significant item that he said he understood I had had a good talk with Garreau⁷ of France, this being on question use of Indochina base for operations supporting Chinese armies Yunnan and Kwangsi. [Jessup.]

Austin

1. Italian colonies.
2. Chinese Communist Party.
3. Dated July 30 from the Secretary of State to President Truman, United States Relations With China, p. iii.
4. For statements on September 23 by President Truman and the Secretary of State, see Department of State Bulletin, October 3, 1949, p. 487.
5. Sen. Tom Connally, of Texas, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign
6. Sen. Arthur H. Vandenberg, of Michigan, ranking Republican member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
7. Member of the French Delegation to the General Assembly.