793.00/10–154: Telegram
No. 313
The Acting
Secretary of State to the Embassy
in the Republic of China1
201. Eyes only for Ambassador. See immediately preceding telegram.2 Situation regarding Nationalist held offshore islands near China coast has recently been given highest-level consideration within this Govt and as between US and UK Govts, with particular reference to threat which that situation poses to international peace and security. As result of this consideration it has been concluded that it desirable submit matter to UN Security Council with view to obtaining SC recommendation that military activities against those islands and in their defense should be provisionally suspended.
Our present view is that such action should be taken under Chapter VI of Charter, which would presumably enable SC to recommend suspension of hostilities.
In response request by US and UK, New Zealand Govt has agreed initiate necessary action to bring matter before SC.
Our tentative thinking re timing is that matter should be brought before SC prior to onset of situation which would pose dilemma of loss of island or large-scale US intervention with attendant international risks; if events permit, however, we should like to defer such action until November. It has been suggested best solution might be to have everything in readiness and then to file either in November or when serious attack mounting, whichever is earlier.
While there may be unfavorable reaction in some quarters, including Chinese Govt, latter should appreciate there is good chance they will come out on top as result this move. Chi Coms likely refuse accept UN jurisdiction while deprived of membership, particularly with regard to territory which has always been part of China. Also this plan might enable Chinese Govt to hold off-shore islands which they would otherwise lose should Chi Coms decide make all-out attack against them and should US not intervene decisively in their defense.
[Page 673]Request your judgment as to how and when we should inform Chinese Govt, bearing in mind possibility of unfavorable reaction and great importance of avoiding leak which would force our hand. Also would appreciate any comments you may have as to timing of submission of item to SC.
We cannot overemphasize importance maintaining airtight security re foregoing plan, knowledge of which within US Govt being confined to strict “need to know” basis.
- Drafted by Niles W. Bond, Deputy Director of the Office of UN Political and Security Affairs, and Assistant Secretary Key; approved by Smith.↩
- Telegram 200 to Taipei, Oct. 1, reported that telegram 201 should not be shown to or discussed with any member of the Ambassador’s staff with the possible exception of Deputy Chief of Mission Cochran. (793.00/10–154)↩