Foreign Relations of the United States, 1951, The United Nations; The Western Hemisphere, Volume II

340.290/2–651: Telegram

The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Penfield) to the Secretary of State

confidential

London, February 6, 1951—5 p.m.

4300. Embassy Officer discussed with Parrott, Head UN Department Foreign Office, London circular February 5 on Chinese representation at ECAFE meetings. Parrott said in all likelihood UK would be unable to support US position this matter in view British recognition Peking Government. He recalled that at tripartite meetings last May, US–UK in view of divergent policies on China had “more or less agreed that each would go its own way”.¹ He added that branding Chinese Communists as aggressor² had not altered fact that they were in control of China, that British policy was based on reality and it followed that it was consistent to support Chinese Communist representation so long as UK recognized Peking.

Parrott was drafting UK position paper on question at time of Embassy Officer’s call and impression was gained that British position on Chinese Communist representation will remain firm so long as there is no reversal present British China policy.

Department pass USUN; sent Department 4300, repeated information USUN New York 71.

Penfield

1. For documentation on the Chinese representation aspect of the Ministerial Tripartite Meeting in London in May 1950, see Foreign Relations, 1950, vol. iii, pp. 828 ff.
2. A reference to the General Assembly’s Resolution of February 1, 1951; for documentation on the Korean question at the United Nations, see volume vii.