The Press WEDNESDAY, MAY 31, 1950. China and U.N.

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26126, 31 May 1950, Page 6

The Press WEDNESDAY, MAY 31, 1950. China and U.N.

The assessment by the United Nations correspondent of the “New “ York Times ” of China’s position in the United Nations emphasises again the importance of resolving this deadlock before the General Assembly meets in September. The danger that he foresees is not the formation by the Western Powers of a new international organisation excluding Russia and the satellites but a final and irrevocable walk-out by the Communists if the only effective Government of China is not recognised. The correspondent may be overdrawing the picture in suggesting that the Russians will abandon the United Nations, which has considerable propaganda value, if only for the opportunity it gives of protest demonstrations. But even if Russia technically remains in the United Nations, the work of the organisation will suffer heavily if there is no real participation from behind the Iron Curtain. The “New York Times” article gives what may be a significant hint of a change in American opinion. This problem could be solved if the United States were to recognise the new Government of China, an example that would be followed by countries waiting for the American lead. On the face of it, American recognition of the new Government has been overlong delayed, because two nations cannot deal with each other, cannot try to protect the legitimate interests of their nationals, without some formal means of communication. And, as the State Department said when Britain, impelled by her important commercial interests, offered to recognise the new Government, “ recognition of a Government in no “way constitutes or implies approval of that Government ”, But recognition of the Chinese Government has been no simple issue for the United States. Because of Chinese Communist insults and provocation any such approach would have damaged American prestige in the East. Again, American foreign policy is to prevent the spread of Communism in South Asia; and Marshal Chiang Kaishek’s Nationalist Government troops are fighting this battle, however unsuccessfully. Nor has the cool reception given in Peiping to Britain’s offer of recognition (still not accepted after four months) made it easier for the United States to court a similar rebuff. American opinion is divided on this question, but it must find an answer before September. Either the United States must be prepared to accept the risk of wrecking the United Nations or it must recognise the new Chinese Government.

It is possible that the answer will be supplied by China itself. Formosa is the last stronghold of the Nationalist Government; and it may fall to the Communists in the next few months. The Nationalists’ attempt to defend Hainan does not inspire confidence in their ability to hold Formosa, though its capture will be a much more formidable undertaking for the Communists. If Formosa falls, it will be difficult for the United States to withhold recognition from the Communist Government, though that will certainly not imply approval.