501.BB/11–2949: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin)
Washington, November
29, 1949—6 p. m.
Gadel 117. In light possibility that res tabled by China in Chinese case may be brought to vote either separately or as amendments to joint res, fol are Dept’s gen views for your guidance:
- 1.
- US Del shld continue its support joint Austral-Mex-Pak-Phil-US res and oppose Chinese res.
- 2.
- US Del shld make every effort act in concert with other co-sponsors.
- 3.
- US Del shld attempt get joint res voted on prior to Chinese res and shld make every effort dissuade Chinese from bringing their res to vote either separately or as amendments to joint res.
- 4.
- If joint res is brought to vote first, but Chinese nevertheless seek vote on their res, attempt shld be made to have Chairman rule that vote on Chinese res unnecessary in light passage of joint res. If Chairman so rules, US Del shld vote to support his ruling.
- 5.
- If Chinese offer all or part of their res as amendments to
joint res, US Del shld vote against such amendments on fol
grounds:
- (a)
- Joint res represents maximum area of agreement in GA as evidenced by express support therefor and is designed to mobilize world opinion for protection Chinese people.
- (b)
- US unwilling support amendments to joint res without agreement of all co-sponsors.
- (c)
- Undesirable for GA to draw the type of factual and legal conclusions which are more appropriate for ICJ.
- (d)
- Inappropriate for GA adopt res re recognition policy which is primarily matter for determination by national govts.
In event Chinese insist on offering all or part of their res as amendments to joint res, it wld be desirable if co-sponsor other than US shld take lead in speaking against such amendments.
Webb