Office of the Historian

340.290/2–2351: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom

secret
priority
Washington, February 25, 1951—8 p.m.

3921. Urtel 4591 Feb 23. As stated Deptel 3874 Feb 21 ECAFE last year approved res stating that ECAFE without raising matter its competence decide question Chinese representation expressed its wish and desire that question Chinese representation be resolved by higher body. UK delegate abstained this Res last year. Dept understands Thai delegate considering offering similar proposal this year. You shld ask Fon Office whether UK will abstain such proposal and if it will so instruct UK delegate Lahore urgently. You shld point out that such proposal meets UK criteria reftel as it would not compromise UK position Chi Commies representation nor ECAFE’s right decide question competence. Emphasize for UK oppose would be inconsistent previous UK position. Urgent instructions UK delegate necessary if UK is to abstain such proposal in light attitude activities UK delegate as described Lahore’s tel ECAFE 51 rpt to London. Report niact.

Webb
  1. Lahore telegram 64, February 22, not printed.↩