SECRET
ANNEX 1 TO OPD(67)67
CHINESE REPRESENTATION IN THE UNITED NATIONS
Problem
In view of recent events should we now change our policy towards Chinese representation at the United Nations?
Recommendation
2.
We should continue to vote for China and also for the "important question" resolution. The speech by our repre- sentative supporting this policy should however reflect the deterioration in Anglo-Chinese relations brought about by recent Chinese actions.
Background and Argument
3. Our policy at last year's General Assembly, and for some years before that, was to vote for the Chinese People's Republic on the substantive resolution about Chinese repre- sentation. At the same time we voted for a resolution that this question is "important" as defined by Article 18(2) of the United Nations Charter and therefore requires a two-thirds majority. Over past years the "important question" resolution has been passed on each occasion. The highest point of support for China on the substantive resolution was reached in 1965 when there was a tie between those voting in favour and those voting against. In view of events in China and changes in Chinese foreign policy during the last year it is highly unlikely that there will be a majority of votes in favour of China on the substantive resolution this year and it is certain that there will be a majority in favour of the "important question" resolution.
4
Since last year the Chinese have broken practically every rule in the diplomatic book and it could be argued that we should change our policy and either vote against her or abstain. The previous policy was however based not on approval of the actions of the Chinese Government but on the existence of China and the need for universal representation in the United Nations. However unpalatable the actions of the Chinese Government, the existence of China remains a fact and its Government should be represented in the United Nations. We have never been under any illusion about the disruptive effect the Chinese are likely to have if voted into the United Nations but we have always believed that the long term effect of attendance at a world assembly would help towards removing China from her present dangerous, though largely self-imposed, isolation.
5. There is however no good reason why we should this year make any great efforts to ensure that China is seated in the immediate future. We should stick to our present policy of voting in favour of the "important question" resolution.
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