Office of the Historian

204. Telegram From the Department of State to the Mission in Geneva1

Washington, May 8, 1962, 7:22 p.m.

1687. Following mutually acceptable formula has been worked out ad referendum with British Embassy Counselor Ledward as procedural means to meet possible hostile proposals to unseat GRC representatives and seat ChiComs in subsidiary and associated UN bodies which British consider competent decide question of membership and representation:

The Assembly,

Recalling the recommendation of the Fifth General Assembly of the United Nations on Dec 14, 1950, that “the attitude adopted by the General Assembly” regarding the representation of a Member State “should be taken into account in other organs of the United Nations and in the specialized agencies”;

Recalling the action which the Sixteenth General Assembly of the United Nations took on December 15, 1961 regarding the representation of China;

Decides to take no action on any proposal to change the representation of China at this Session.

FYI. Ledward expressed personal opinion that UK would be able vote for above formula in most so-called “competent” bodies provided UK could make oral statements expressing certain reservations. Ledward indicated, however, that for undisclosed reasons, in certain instances UK may abstain instead of vote for. End FYI.

For Geneva: US Del to WHO should advise British colleagues that if and when British cabinet approves above formula, US will use it instead of formula contained in US position paper should Chirep issue be raised in WHO Assembly in form proposal unseat GRC rep and seat ChiComs.

For London: Please press, as necessary for HMG confirmation this formula, which we hope will be forthcoming before issue arises in WHO Assembly. Geneva should be informed immediately of UK decision.

Ball
  1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1960–63, 303/5–862. Confidential; Niact. Drafted by Bertus H. Wabeke on May 8; cleared by Joseph J. Sisco, Stephen M. Schwebel, William H. Sullivan, and Alf E. Bergesen; and approved by Woodruff Wallner. Also sent to London and repeated to USUN and Taipei.↩