Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, United Nations and General International Matters, Volume II

169. Telegram From the Department of State to the Mission at the United Nations¹

Washington, September 17, 1960—9:51 p.m.

426. Re: Chinese Representation.

Since situation re Chirep is fluid this year we should continue make effective and sustained efforts obtain best possible vote with view improving support on moratorium resolution. Such factors as: (1) New African states, which are unknown quantity; 2) Refusal Indians play traditional role sponsor ChiRep item indicating general neutralist disturbance with ChiComs; 3) Fact that Soviet sponsorship item injects cold-war element; 4) Presence in UN of Khrushchev and other Communist leaders, which may presage extraordinary efforts replace GRC with ChiComs; and 5) Impatience of some moratorium supporters with ChiRep impasse, may combine to make closer vote on this question than objectives US and free world requires.

If majority could be obtained at least as substantial as last year’s, prestige of the Communist bloc would fall correspondingly, especially if Khrushchev and his colleagues make a strong effort defeat moratorium resolution.

It it therefore recommended Del plan approach representatives states listed below to obtain best possible majority when question comes to vote.

Along this line arrangements have already been made for Assistant Secretary Parsons to discuss this subject with Malayan Rep Dato Nik Kauval [Kamil]. Have learned confidentially Ambassador Yeh will speak with Golda Meir. Israelis have suggested Assistant Secretary Wilcox talk with Meir afterwards.² In view unclear responses Deptels from Libya, USUN should endeavor obtain firm assurances from that Del. Embassy Addis Ababa reports Ethiopian representative Akliliu also desires discuss ChiRep in NY. Mission should take initiative to bring this about.

In view general uncertainty it is recommended Mission give closest and continuing attention to new African states in effort obtain best possible votes.

Following is list of states with 14th GA voting position indicated:

1. Following countries voted in favor moratorium resolution last year and are expected do so this year. However, some reports have been circulating that they are becoming restive under persistence ChiRep issue. They should be approached with view eliminating any tendency to waver from their traditional policy of voting in favor of the resolution: Lebanon, Argentina and Bolivia.

2. New African states are unknown quantity and may be subjected to severe pressures by Communist bloc to line up against GRC. French have promised to speak to delegations from former French areas of Africa in favor of GRC membership. Approaches by USUN may help these delegations remain firm in their support of moratorium: Dahomey, Ivory Coast, Upper Volta, Niger, Congo Republic, Chad, Gabon and Central Africa Republic. Cyprus, another new member, should also be approached to ensure a positive vote.

3. Iraq is expected to vote against moratorium, but there may be chance of persuading it to vote for resolution. If this is too much to expect, it might be persuaded to abstain or absent itself from voting. Last year it voted against moratorium.

4. Following are expected to abstain but might be persuaded to vote for resolution this year: Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Tunisia, Laos.

FYIDept has proposed in cases Ireland, Iraq and Tunisia that Secretary personally make approach.³ However, allocation Secretary’s time and pressure other responsibilities make his personal intervention uncertain this time. Mission should check with Secretary’s office in NY before determining exact procedure those three approaches. End FYI.

Dillon

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 303/9–1760. Confidential; Priority. Drafted by Caprio; initialed by Sisco; cleared by Carson, in draft by Sullivan, and in substance by Penfield; and approved by Wallner who signed for Dillon.
2. A memorandum of Parsons’ September 21 conversation with Kamil is in Washington National Records Center, RG 59, Conference Files: FRC 83–0068, CF 1766. No record of a conversation between Wilcox and Meir has been found.
3. Wilcox recommended in a September 17 memorandum that Herter approach Aiken at the General Assembly to discuss Ireland’s position on Chinese representation. (Department of State, Central Files, 303/9–1760) No record, however, of such a meeting has been found, nor of any conversation with the Iraqi Delegation. In a September 20 memorandum, Wilcox recommended that Herter discuss Tunisia’s vote on Chinese representation with Slim at the General Assembly. (Ibid., 303/9–2060) A memorandum of Herter’s October 4 conversation with Slim is in Washington National Records Center, RG 59, Conference Files: FRC 83–0068, CF 1767.