310.2/7–854: Telegram
The Chargé in New Zealand (Scotten) to the Department of State
priority
6. Deptel 3, July 6. I found McIntosh greatly disturbed at Webb’s statement which McIntosh said does not reflect government’s policy and was not cleared in advance with Cabinet or Prime Min. Added Webb went entirely too far and that inconceivable New Zealand would vote against US on question admission Communist China to UN. However, he believes, as statement undoubtedly reflects Webb’s sincere personal conviction, it very improbable Webb could be induced change his words publicly.
McIntosh said (asking not to be quoted on this point) New Zealand policy this question well expressed in editorial yesterday’s Evening Post reading in part as follows:
“Mr. Webb spoke, in blunt rather than diplomatic terms, of driving a wedge between Russia and China. We must beware also that a sharp wedge is not driven into the accord of the Western nations. We do not suppose for a moment that Mr. Webb is insensible of this danger. His advocacy of admission of China to the United Nations was not a commitment to action, but—and it is important to note the difference—a statement that the time was coming for reconsideration of present policy. We are inclined to agree, but with the definite proviso that, in their consideration, we shall attach full weight to the maintenance of [Page 738] Western accord and not gamble heavily on the prospect of Communist division.”
McIntosh at loss to know what action government can or will take clear up this muddle, but feels this incident might well result in much closer control New Zealand foreign policy by Cabinet.