271. Memorandum of Conversation1

SecDel/MC/98

SECRETARY’S DELEGATION TO THE EIGHTEENTH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

New York, September 1963

SUBJECT

  • Nigerian Foreign Minister’s Call on the Secretary

ITEM OF DISCUSSION

  • Chinese Representation

PARTICIPANTS

  • [Here follows the same list of participants as Document 270.]

Wachuku stressed that there is no question of expelling Nationalist China from the UN, but he was equally determined that Continental China should be admitted to the UN. As for which one of the two Chinas should obtain the seat on the Security Council, Wachuku suggested that the Asians may wish to decide this question.

The Secretary expressed the opinion that the Chinese communists would not accept admission to the UN under these circumstances. He then pointed to a number of acts by the Chinese communists which would indicate that they have not renounced their policy of aggression. He cited the Moscow-Peking debate in which the Peking regime reasserted its view that war remains an instrument of foreign policy. He mentioned Peking’s decision not to sign the test ban treaty and pointed out how China has blocked agreement on the Geneva Accords dealing with Indo-China. While listing examples of ChiComs aggressive policy, he also mentioned that there appears to be some kind of a review going on within China which may determine its future foreign policy. Therefore, it is important that no encouragement be given at this time to those who advocate a hard line. The Secretary added that it may be of some significance that it was Albania and not the Soviet Union which introduced the motion on Chinese representation this year.

The Nigerian Minister stated that there is no evidence that Continental China would not live up to its obligations which it would have to assume by becoming a member of the United Nations. Unless [Page 599] China accepts the principles embodied in the UN Charter, it would be in the same position as South Africa and then would become the object of the same types of pressures from member states as presently experienced by South Africa. Wachuku expressed the opinion that China would also not wish to alienate its supporters by violating the UN Charter.

Ambassador Stevenson asked whether Continental China might be admitted under the two China policy? Wachuku replied that it was his intention to introduce an amendment asking for the admission of China “provided they apply for it.” He added that he doubts Continental China would accept under these conditions. Nevertheless, he believes that this tactic would smoke out China’s real intentions.

Ambassador Stevenson injected that it would indeed be a very significant day if China would apply for membership and also renounce its claim on Taiwan.

Wachuku explained that if Continental China would apply for membership, this in itself would imply renunciation of its claim to Taipei and disavowal of aggression as an instrument of Chinese policy. Mr. Dickinson pointed out that the real question is whether China should be admitted before its views have been fully tested or afterwards when Chinese membership may disrupt the UN. To this, Wachuku replied that Chinese membership in the UN could have no worse effect than Soviet membership.

Ambassador Stevenson queried whether this was a propitious moment to advance a two-China policy especially since the question of Chinese representation is scheduled for discussion on October 11. Wachuku replied that the best thing that can be done now is “to call China’s bluff which would take the wind out of China’s sails.” He claimed that at the present time the onus of keeping Continental China out of the UN is clearly on the United States. The tactics he is advocating would change this. He stressed again that neither Nigeria nor the other Africans want to expel Taipei. The Chinese Nationalists have proven themselves to be good and loyal members of the United Nations. Also, Nationalist China has the veto to prevent its own expulsion.

The Secretary suggested that events in Continental China may make it desirable to postpone the discussion of Chinese representation in the United Nations beyond the presently scheduled date. Mr. Dickinson asked whether the Nigerian Minister had thought of the adverse effect increased support for Chinese admission would have on small Southeast Asian countries which have been pursuing an anti-communist policy. If China were admitted, Wachuku replied, it would become subject to UN pressures and the UN certainly has means at its disposal to deal with China if it interfered in the internal affairs of another country.

[Page 600]

The Secretary said that China is not bent on building a peaceful world. Its decision not to sign the test ban treaty is merely an example of this. If China ever became a nuclear power, it would create major problems for the world. Wachuku replied that Chinese membership in the UN would also solve some of the problem. Once China comes into the United Nations it would have to behave like any other peace-loving nation. He repeated again that “no harm would be done to the UN or anybody else if an amendment is brought forward to bring in China.”

Ambassador Stevenson asked whether China’s refusal to sign the test ban treaty should not affect its admission to the UN. Wachuku replied that it is easier to control China from within the UN than from without. Ambassador Stevenson pointed out that were China to be admitted at this point, after its refusal to sign the test ban treaty, it would be tantamount to rewarding China for its aggressive policies.

The Secretary said that he would have a clearer picture of the problem once he knew what is presently going on in Peking. He promised to keep in touch with the Nigerian Government on this important question.

  1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Conference Files: Lot 66 D 110, 18th U.N. General Assembly. Confidential. Drafted by John Gunther Dean on October 4 and approved in S on October 4. The meeting was held at USUN. The memorandum is Part 2 of 4.