810.2/6–1253: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassies in the United Kingdom and in France1
7916 (London) and 5985 (Paris). From the Secretary. Problem Chinese representation in UN will of course arise in more acute form in UN organs following signature Korean armistice. We intend discuss this matter at Bermuda meeting. However in view possible early armistice and consequently early UN meetings, please discuss soonest with Churchill and Bidault to assure continued UK and French support for such action as may be necessary in UN bodies to prevent change in Chinese representation.
While undoubtedly India and a few others may be expected join anticipated Soviet efforts change Chinese representation following armistice, and we are also again canvassing other free-world governments re problem, attitude UK and France remains a key factor to continued unity vast majority free world on this issue in immediate future. Thus, President and I consider it of utmost importance that UK, France and US continue stand together on this issue and avoid any public indication of divergence.
As UK and French Governments aware, we are convinced armistice represents no change in Communist objectives or willingness use force or any lessening of danger to SEA. We thus remain firm in our belief that seating its representative in UN now would appear as reward for halting aggression would not deter them from further aggressive ventures and would, moreover, be taken by them as sign of weakness on part free world. In addition we are confident British and French fully aware most unfortunate effect on Congressional and public opinion with probable unfortunate results if conclusion armistice should become occasion for split among allies on question seating Communist China in UN bodies. President has requested this point be stressed.
So long as we continue agree upon objective, details procedure to be followed can be worked out by UN Dels. US prepared continue presently agreed practice of avoiding vote on substance through some [Page 671] procedural action such as postponement consideration any proposals change Chinese representation.2
- Drafted by Ward P. Allen, Special Assistant on UN Affairs, Bureau of European Affairs; cleared by the Bureau of UN Affairs, the Bureau of Far Eastern Affairs, the Deputy Under Secretary of State (Matthews), and the Executive Secretariat; transmission approved by the Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs (Merchant); signed by the Secretary of State. Repeated for information to USUN, New York (487).↩
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In telegram 6664, June 19, 1953, 1 p.m., the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Aldrich) reported in response:
↩“During course my conversation with Churchill this morning, I raised with him the problem of Chinese representation in the UN. Churchill replied he had no intention of pressing for Chinese Communist admission into the UN immediately after an armistice but he did not wish tie his hands indefinitely. He said he would send me an informal note giving his position which he was sure we would find satisfactory.” (310.2/6–1953)