795.00/5–2251: Telegram
The United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin) to the Secretary of State
1562. Re Korea. Grafstrom told Ross last night that Rau has a new idea as follows: Everyone (particularly the US) is agreed that conflict should be limited to Korea. On other hand Chi Commies are not yet convinced this is case. Therefore, GA should pass resolution stating that UN objective is to limit the conflict and to this end First Comite should meet regularly, say every two weeks, to discuss matter.
In response to question by Grafstrom, Rau said he was not under instruction on this matter. In response to further question, Rau said that he did not want to work on this new idea with Arab-Asian group. (Grafstrom also ascertained that Rau was not instructed to mention in his GA statement last Friday possibility of settlement on 38th Parallel).1
Grafstrom said he would discuss Rau’s idea with Padilla and Entezam and let us know any reaction they might have. Meanwhile he asked that we refrain from discussing with other delegations and let him know any reactions Dept might have.
Ross commented Chi Coms must certainly know that UN policy is to limit conflict if possible and questioned whether any useful purpose would be served by periodic debate of subject.2
- At the General Assembly meeting on Friday, May 18, Sir Benegal Rau suggested that, since the Unified Command had already indicated that it would be a great victory if the United Nations succeeded in clearing South Korea of the aggressors (see footnote 1, p. 229), the United Nations should consider this subject with a view to making an early pronouncement along the same lines in order to dispel any doubts about the military objectives of the United Nations (U.N. document A/PV.330).↩
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The Department of State responded as follows in telegram 946, May 25, to New York:
“Urtel 1562 Re Korea. Dept agrees with Ross’ comment on Rau’s latest idea and has no further observation thereon.” (795.00/5–2251)
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