284. Telegram From the Embassy in the Republic of China to the Department of State1
Taipei, January 8, 1970,
0918Z.
126. Subject: GRC Plans on 1970 Chirep Tactics.
- 1.
- Summary: MOFA International Organizations Director, Che Yin-shou (protect source), gave Emboff general description Jan. 6 of GRC 1970 Chirep plans, indicating possible GRC reliance on “Colombian [Page 494] proposal” for UN Charter amendment as new tactic. End summary.
- 2.
- Che said that IO had recently completed “timetable” for 1970 Chirep activity. MOFA would complete by February its internal estimate of probable voting course of all UNGA members on Albanian resolution and Important Question. In late February or early March, Amb. Chou Shu-kai will be instructed to approach Dept. on Chirep. MOFA will concurrently begin liaison with US Embassy, Taipei. MOFA hopes to have preliminary consultation with close supporters such as US and Japan finished before ASPAC meeting in Wellington June 17. Final GRC Chirep strategy would be prepared for President Chiang’s approval by ad hoc committee under Presidential office SecGen Chang Chung in July and August.
- 3.
- Che commented that although it is too early to predict what circumstances will surround Chirep debate this year, GRC would probably pin hopes for holding line in respect to Albanian resolution on “Colombian proposal” for UN Charter amendment. Che said that this new approach to perennial question would drain off support for Albanian resolution, performing the function supplied in 1966–8 by Italian initiative on study group (a function which, according to Che, GRC has now come to recognize as useful). At same time, this procedure would afford GRC an opportunity as permanent member SC to block any unacceptable Charter amendment by non-ratification if it appeared that measure might otherwise succeed. Before and during 1970 UNGA, the GRC would not actively campaign against Charter amendment proposal, Che said, and would abstain when vote came up there.
- 4.
- In conversations with FonMin Wei Dec. 15 and Vice FonMin Yang Hsi-k’un Dec. 24, both mentioned to Ambassador their hope that consultations on Chirep could begin earlier than usual this year. If the GRC does in fact plan to move from its former bitter opposition to any form of third resolution which might carry “two China” implications, we will need to begin thinking soon of how to respond to GRC tactics.
- 5.
- Embassy would appreciate any information on Colombian proposal: text if available, US position, extent of potential support in UNGA.
- 6.
- Embassy is not certain how far this proposal as described by Che may have been considered outside of MOFA, although it appears that FonMin and Vice FonMin H.K. Yang both have approved active examination of new Chirep departures for 1970. Request that possible interest in “Colombian proposal” not be discussed with GRC officials until we have clearer reading of how “official” this interest is.
McConaughy
- Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, UN 6 CHINAT. Confidential; Noforn. Repeated to Bogota, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and USUN.↩