Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume V, United Nations, 1969–1972

279. Telegram From Secretary of State Rogers to the Department of State¹

New York, October 11, 1969, 0037Z.

Secto 119/3544. Subj: Bilateral Talks Between Secretary and Foreign Minister Wei.

1. Following summary based on uncleared memcon, Noforn and FYI only subject to revision upon review:

2. Secretary opened discussion saying most important current Chirep. Foreign Minister Wei agreed and said when Secretary in Taiwan they hoped no complications would arise on this issue. Now there are difficulties with co-sponsors for IQ. Ambassador Yost said Latin Americans presenting some problems. This does not affect vote, only co-sponsors. Ambassador Liu said of last year’s co-sponsors Colombia will not co-sponsor, Bolivian Mission uncertain of position of new government, and Brazil feels there should be more LA co-sponsors than just Brazil and Nicaragua. Nicaragua willing co-sponsor but thinks position awkward if Brazil doesn’t come in. Liu thought it might be possible to add new LA co-sponsor, possibly Costa Rica, and ask for US assistance. Ambassador Yost said we will support Chinese moves that direction. Ambassador Pedersen said preliminary vote estimate is all right, but LA’s must be firmed up. Ambassador Liu agreed and said Colombia and Ecuador required prodding. Ambassador Yost agreed, but noted statement by President of Colombia and Colombian Foreign Minister’s plea for universality in GA. Ambassador Pedersen said a recent cable from Bogota indicated we might have some room for maneuver.² Secretary said he did not know reason for Colombian switch. Ambassador Liu said a Japanese colleague told him Colombian Perm Rep visited Communist China before coming to New York and Colombian Foreign Minister also visited mainland.

3. Conversation turned to Italy which was a co-sponsor last year and voted against Albanian Resolution. Liu said if Italy does not cosponsor another European, possibly Spain, would be helpful. ROC Ambassador Madrid said GOS sympathized, however, wished to have judge elected to ICJ and also has problem of Gibraltar. Spanish reluctant move to forward position before ICJ candidates decided. We should have IQ Res circulated ASAP. If Spain agrees join later it would be acceptable. Liu asked if we would talk to Spanish. Yost agreed to do so. Foreign Minister asked if we could convince the Italians to continue as co-sponsor. They have not changed their relations with Taipei. Secretary said Italians have domestic problems this issue, a large Communist bloc and an active group of intellectuals who favor recognition. They must look at real world of internal politics. Foreign Minister Moro was understanding in talk with Secretary but stressed domestic aspects.

4. Ambassador Wei said efforts required not only for co-sponsors but also for votes against AR. Liu added AR had three additional cosponsors this year. Secretary asked that he and Ambassador Pedersen be kept informed and said he would send Amb. Pedersen back to New York if needed. Liu said there was concern US might shift policy toward Peking. Secretary pointed out we had not given any indication of shift; in fact we convinced Malaysian Prime Minister to alter his position of abstention on both items. Malaysia would now abstain on IQ and vote no on AR. Ambassador Liu said articles such as one in New York Times of October 9 regarding US moves to meet moderates in Peking are interpreted broadly by certain delegations.³ Secretary said we would not change our position and, if necessary, he would make another statement.

5. Ambassador Wei asked President Nixon’s view of talks between Secretary Rogers and President Chiang in Taiwan.⁴ Secretary replied President had read report with interest and approved of what was said. We will not change our policy toward Taiwan and intend to honor our treaty commitments. [Omitted here is discussion of U.S. assistance to the Republic of China.]

Rogers

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 1 CHINAT–US. Secret; Priority; Exdis. Repeated to Taipei.
2. Not found.
3. Peter Grose, “U.S. Aides Discern Signs That Peking Is Easing Enmity,” The New York Times, October 9, 1969, p. A–1.
4. A memorandum of conversation of the August 8 meeting between Rogers and Chiang is printed in Foreign Relations, 1969–1976, volume XVII, China, 1969–1972.