Attitude Of N.Z. Discussed

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27563, 21 January 1955, Page 11

Attitude Of N.Z. Discussed

NEW YORK, January 19. New Zealand delegation sources at the United Nations declined to comment on an American Associated Press report that they had been considering backing a cease-fire proposal in conjunction with Britain. Later, Sir Leslie Munro, the New Zealand delegate, said that as a member of the Security Council since the beginning of 1954, his Government had kept itself informed of developments in different areas which might lead to action in the counciL “An end to the fighting in this particular area would, of course, be regarded as of importance to New Zealand.” he added.

United Nations sources were quoted as saying that an Indian suggestion to Peking for a cease fire had been rejected by the Communist Chinese. The Communists were reported to have replied it would tie their hands and prevent attempts to take Formosa. Two influential New York newspapers today supported suggestions by President Eisenhower and the Secretary of State (Mr Dulles) that the United Nations seek a truce in the conflict in the islands off the Chinese mainland. The “New York Times” said that thefe was no reason for the Nationalists to become alarmed about a truce proposal which would take account of the present political and military realities. “They frankly acknowledge that an invasion of the mainland would be impossible without substantial American aid, and that even with such aid. success would depend upon a widespread uprising on the mainland that is not yet in sight,” the “New York Times” added. The New York “Herald Tribune” said a cease fire would mean the end of plans for a fighting return to the mainland. “Yet the Nationalists have obtained from the United States a firm guarantee on Formosa and they have every expectation of an alliance with us,” the newspaper said. “Realists that they are. they must know there would be little hope of such a treaty’s being ratified if its immediate effect were to draw the United States toward war.” The “Herald-Tribune” said a major war on the Asian mainland would certainly not be to the interests of the United States. “Can the Nationalists seriously suppose that it would restore them to power?” it added. Policy Change Seen In Washington Senator Mike Mansfield, a Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the United States appeared, to be “changing its policy” toward Communist China. Referring to the President’s cease fire statement, Senator Mansfield said: “This means a greater recognition for the United Nations in this particular aspect. At the same time, it indicates, in my opinion, a degree of further recognition of Communist China by our Government.” Senator William Knowland, the Republican leader in the Senate, declined to comment on the President’s remarks. But in response to a reporter’s question, he said he was not prepared to say any major change in policy toward China was in the making. In a speech in Alexandria, Virginia, last night Senator Knowland said the time was coming when the free world would have to stand up and be counted on the question of Communist aggression. “I believe we have the best chance of maintaining the peace by operating from a position of strength and not weakness,” he said. Mr T. F. Tsiang, Nationalist China’s chief delegate to the United Nations, said in a New York speech last night that the Formosa Government would never “bind its hand by United Nations resolution or any other method.”