IO Files
Minutes of the Thirteenth Meeting of the United States Delegation to the United Nations General Assembly
[Here follows a list of persons present (50).]
1. Composition of Korean Commission
Mr. Ross reported that our slate was somewhat “unhooked”. While Pearson had been personally inclined to accept a place for Canada, St. Laurent1 had refused on the basis that this was predominantly an Asian problem, although if India were not included, Canada might accept. It now appeared that India was not willing to participate in the Commission. There was still a possibility of adding India, Canada and Brazil to the six states now on the slate. Mr. Rusk had thought that it might be appropriate for the Secretary to talk to Sir B. N. Rau with respect to Indian membership, and a question had also been raised as to whether any further attempt to put pressure on the Canadians to accept membership should be made. It now appeared that Australia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Turkey, and Chile were definitely slated, and probably the Netherlands, although Romulo yesterday had begun to push Indonesia and the Dutch had drawn back. Mr. Ross thought it would be premature to give Indonesia such an assignment.
The Secretary thought it would be difficult for him to talk to the Indian Delegation; India believed that crossing the 38th parallel had been a mistake and was not now willing to share in the projected Korean effort. We had at least tried to get them to accept a seat on the Commission. Mr. Dulles was not inclined to press the Indians further. If India were included, he believed that the Commission would become [Page 863] a general forum for the discussion of Asian problems, and it was also important that India had not gone along with us in the committee.
After noting that six members were included on the commission, Mr. Dulles asked if it might not be better to have an odd number. Ambassador Austin believed this made little difference. The Secretary inquired whether it would be possible for the First Committee to report out a six-member commission and for the plenary to add others. Mr. Ross said this had been done in other cases. The Secretary thought this course would be preferable to anything which would mean holding up committee action. We could communicate this view to others, and perhaps this morning also talk further with the Canadians and with the United Kingdom, and perhaps India. The Secretary inquired what position we should take if Indonesia desired a place on the Commission. Mr. Ross thought we should agree, but Ambassador Austin did not like the idea at all; we wanted a strong constructive commission, and Indonesia would be a weak spot, exposing the Commission to vacillation and delay. Mr. Raynor suggested that if Canada were adamant in its refusal to serve, New Zealand might be considered. The Secretary agreed. He thought we should not favor Indonesia; we should conclude negotiations on the present slate, possibly adding India or New Zealand or Brazil, or all three later on.
Senator Lodge referred to a conversation which he had with Anne O’Hare McCormick2 who felt it would be desirable to have some states from the Far East represented on the Commission. Mr. Thurston suggested Burma as a possibility; the Burmese delegate had made a constructive speech in the committee. The Secretary asked about Thailand. Ambassador Austin stated that the Republic of Korea had proposed Thailand and the Philippines. Senator Lodge thought it would be good politics to include a state from the Far East; Mr. Cohen concurred. Ambassador Gross remarked that neither India nor Pakistan, as he recalled, had recognized the Republic of Korea; their inclusion might embark the Commission on a course of mischief making. Referring to India, Mr. Bancroft said that the sponsors had wanted it and the Indian Delegation had requested instructions from Delhi; he thought we should simply sit back and let the Indian situation develop. The Secretary agreed that if India had been asked to serve that was enough for now. Otherwise he believed Thailand or another state in the area might be added.
[Here follows the record of the discussion on the second item on the agenda: Appointment of the Secretary-General.]