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

434. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the Republic of China¹

Washington, October 29, 1971.

196136. Subject: Chirep.

1. You are instructed to call as soon as possible upon President Chiang, or in the case of his unavailability on Vice Premier Chiang Ching-kuo, to deliver the following oral message. Leave an aidemémoire consisting of the text which you have delivered orally.

2. “I have been instructed to express to you the sincere and deep regret of the Government of the United States as regards the recent action of the United Nations depriving the Republic of China of representation in the General Assembly. We believe that action to have been a serious mistake, neither just nor realistic.

3. The Government of the Republic of China has contributed positively to the UN since its inception and the Government of the US had looked forward to your continued advice and counsel as a member of that organization. Defeat of the Important Question resolution came as a surprise to the Government of the United States, since our voting estimate early on the morning of October 25 indicated that we would win that vote by a narrow margin.

4. The representatives of the Government of the United States who have had the honor to work closely with their colleagues of the Government of the Republic of China during the last few months on this difficult question, have been uniformly impressed with both the adherence to principle and tactical flexibility reflected in your Government’s decisions. Our representatives have worked closely around the world in this joint endeavor, and the spirit of close cooperation we have gained will not be lost.

5. In the view of the United States Government, nothing that has happened in the UN will in any way affect the ties between our two countries. The Republic of China has a dynamic and growing economy, our two countries have close bilateral relations in a wide variety of fields and we expect those relations to continue to prosper. As has been stated before, the defense commitment of the US to the ROC is in no way affected by recent developments.

6. My Government will continue to be in contact with your Government to discuss the implications of the decision of October 25th. You may be assured that the Government of the United States remains deeply interested in the status of the Republic of China as an honored and valued member of the international community.”²

7. At the conclusion of your oral presentation (but not to be included in the aidemémoire) you should state the following: “I have been instructed to inform you that these views have the full support of the President of the United States.”

8. You may wish also to take the opportunity of this representation to mention the Secretary’s personal appreciation for the great effort of Foreign Minister Chow Shu-kai in our common cause at the United Nations.

Rogers

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, UN 6 CHICOM. Secret; Exdis. Drafted by Moser; cleared by Brown, Green, and Haig; and approved by Rogers.
2. The message was delivered by McConaughy in a short meeting with Chiang on October 29. (Telegram 5403 from Taipei, October 29; ibid.) The ROC requested that the “general character” of the U.S. message be made public. (Telegram 5405 from Taipei, October 29; ibid.) The Department of State agreed. (Telegram 198797 to Taipei, October 30; ibid.)