357.AK/3–1251: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the United States Mission at the United Nations
secret
Washington, March 12,
1951—7 p. m.
776. Urtel 1236, Mar 6. In further informal discussions Grafstrom and Padilla, you shld indicate Dept’s views as follows:
- 1.
- 5 principles were approved by First Comite on Jan 13 as basis for peaceful settlement of Korea problem and other Far Eastern problems. In view of rejection of these principles by Peiping and of intervening circumstances, status these principles uncertain and Pol Comite may wish to re-examine them. So far as US concerned, question appears academic at present. If Peiping gave any clear indication that it is interested in settlement, US wld wish to consult other UN members, [Page 227] in light of any forthcoming Peiping communications and of circumstances at that time.
- 2.
- Feb 1 res established GOC to meet “at any suitable opportunity to use their good offices” to help bring about a cessation of hostilities in Korea and achievement of UN objectives by peaceful means. In light of these terms of reference, GOC must itself determine whether rebuff by Peiping or other circumstances shld terminate or suspend its activities. In Dept’s view, res created GOC as a continuing body to be available so long as hostilities continued, to exercise its functions at any opportunity which GOC considers “suitable”. Rebuff by Peiping or failure of Comies reply to its communications might lead GOC to suspend activities for present, but GOC wld continue be available to try again at some new “suitable opportunity”. At an appropriate time GOC might decide to submit a progress report to Assembly through SYG.
Webb