Common Pacific position on China’s seat expected soon

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32666, 23 July 1971, Page 1

Common Pacific position on China’s seat expected soon

(New Zealand Press Association)

WASHINGTON, July 22.

A common position toward China’s admission to the United Nations is expected to be agreed upon soon by the United States, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

Each of the four nations will separately detail the position it will take up when the United Nations General Assembly opens a new session in September, but their policies are considered certain to be similar. Officials confirmed today that the four Pacific nations had been involved in a series of diplomatic exchanges on

the question for some three months.

They indicated that the announcement by President Nixon that he would visit Peking before May of next year had spurred further discussions akned kt finalising the approach to be adopted. These reports also suggested that United States policy at the moment was still based on the “two China” concept which has been rejected by both Peking and Taipeh. The diplomatic dilemma of balancing the desire' for im-

proved relations with China against the wish not to alienate Taiwan was evidently causing a great deal of agonising in the Administration.

It is clear, however, that within the diplomatic community the writing is on the wall for Taiwan’s seat at the United Nations. Diplomats say it is probable that an easy majority in favour of Peking’s membership could now be mustered, particu-

larly as the United States has hinted it will not seek a twothirds majority vote. Observers expect the four nations to support Peking’s entry and to resist the expulsion of Taiwan should it not withdraw on its own initiative. 1 STRONG LOBBY In view of the Administration’s bid to normalise its relations with Peking there is doubt that a strong lobby effort would be made on Taiwan’s behalf should it elect to seek continuing membership of the United Nations. In the absence of such an effort it is considered questionable that Taiwan could hold its place against the rising international support for Peking. Reports yesterday said that the Administration was seeking an indication from the Government of President Chiang Kai-shek as to its intentions should the United Nations vote to admit Peking. It apparently wanted a firm declaration whether Taiwan would withdraw oi fight to hold its seat. DEFENCE TREATY The President’s announcement of his intention to visit Peking itself weakened Taiwan’s position, in the

view of foreign affairs ex perts.

They expected the United States to continue to emphasise its defence treaty ties with the Nationalist Government but not to give its United Nations cause the same degree of lobby backing that had been evident in the past.