795.00/11–650: Telegram
The United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 6—11:45 p. m.]
790. Bebler, November SC President, during course of lunch with Gross discussed problem of Korea in light of intervention by Chinese Communist forces. In general he thought this was manifestation of “infantile disease” of new Communist regime which in early stages of development lacks political judgment and sees problems as black and white. He thought CCP invasion of Tibet and reply to Indian démarche was another manifestation of this disease and a colossal mistake. He was thankful Yugoslavia had not made such mistakes in early years such as invasion of Trieste. Parenthetically, he felt relations between Italy and Yugoslavia are now improving every day.
He is convinced CCP feels hydro-electric works are threatened and that UN forces constitute a genuine threat to Manchuria. USSR certainly is trying to develop this feeling and Bebler felt it was fostered by phrases in MacArthur communiqué No. 11 referring to “present sphere of military action” and “present mission”.
[Page 1075]In reply to Gross’ questions as to how problem should be handled, he thought assurance on these two points by US and UN might do much to remove these issues from current situation.
Re UN handling of Korea case, he felt UNCURK would be best means of developing the facts. He hoped that US would not rush a resolution through the SC and particularly one that contained a finding of aggression by CCP. However, if the matter were to be taken up in the SC, and he recognized that this might be a preliminary to Assembly action, he personally felt he could support a resolution with localizing the conflict approach. In answer to Gross’ question, he further indicated that the problem of a Soviet veto might depend on timing of the resolution. He recalled that CCP representatives are due November 15. Therefore, it is likely that on Wednesday, when he agreed to have a meeting, the USSR would ask for postponement until CCP representatives arrived. He asked Gross whether the US had given these representatives visas which he understood were being sought at Prague. He requested definite information on this point at or before Wednesday’s meeting. Assuming the US is facilitating travel of these representatives to Lake Success, he felt it would be proper to proceed with discussion in their absence rather than support any Soviet move for postponement. However, he recognized that this or a vote on possible resolution might draw Soviet veto solely on ground of CCP absence.