China Debate In Last Stages

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32143, 12 November 1969, Page 23

China Debate In Last Stages

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) NEW YORK, November 11. The United Nations General Assembly is expected to wind up debate today on the latest bid to seat the People’s Republic of China, with the outcome already certain.

When the vote is taken, later today or tomorrow, the assembly is certain to refuse admission to Peking and the expulsion of the Taiwan-based Nationalist Government. Last year’s vote against the Chinese was 58 to 44. It is not expected to be much different this time, despite moves by Canada, Belgium and Italy in the meantime to establish diplomatic relations with Peking. x The Canadian Prime Minister (Mr Pierre Trudeau); will be at the United Nations! today for a luncheon meeting, with the Secretary-General' (U Thant) but he has no public appearance scheduled. China, Canada’s involvement in the International Control Commission in IndoChina, United Nations peace keeping, and the world body’s failure to intervene in the Nigerian civil war are expected to be among the topics discussed.

In another development, the United States will lay the issue of North Vietnam’s treatment of American prisoners of war before the Assembly’s Social Committee today.

The United States will aceuse the Hanoi Government of violating international law by refusing promptly to name captured Americans, to ensure medical care for them and to prevent abusive treatment.

American officials said that they were prepared for a heated debate, tile first in the United Nations on the prisoner issue and the first on Vietnam since the Security Council placed the question on its agenda in February, 1966.