Telegram from Ambassador Warren Austin to Secretary of State Dean Acheson

antion TELEGRAM Department of State ct CA 2 TELEGRAPH BRANCH GRODH 13-B PI Control: 2148 SEA Rec'd: January 5, 1951 UNA New York C pvt 3:02 p.m. TO: Seoretary of State SS FILE COPY G NO: DELGA 488, January 5, 2:25 p.m. P. L PRIORITY EUR 'aturn th FF Message Cent NEA On basis of telecons this morning with Hickerson and FE Bancroft, Ross informed Riddell that as cease-fire group OLI knew, we have consistently wanted in every way to facilitate CIA their effort. At the same time it appeared clear that a ARMY good many members of the UN wanted some intermediate step AIR taken before proceeding with the program which we consider NAVY essential in condemning the aggression in Korea. In these DCR circumstances we felt that if it were considered essential to take an intermediate step, we felt that the preferable step might be a simple resolution based on principles such as cease-fire group had in mind which could be forwarded to the Chinese Communists. If there were going to be an intermediate step, we felt very strongly that in order to avoid delay in proceeding with our preferred program, such an intermediate step should be taken as early as possible; we had in mind that if it were not possible to get a vote today, 1t would be desirable to get a vote tomorrow. In the light of these considerations we did not wish to complicate matters or make Pearson's talks in the case-fire group any more difficult than it is by suggesting changes in the draft statement of principles which they gave us last night. I said that it was possible that Ambassador Austin might make a statement 1f cease-fire group should decide to present a statement of principles. I said that 1₽ he should make a statement, it seemed clear to me that he would have to indicate our strong feeling that the UN must face the facts of life. I said, on the other hand, I thought we would not oppose but would probably abstain on a resolution incorporating the principles such as the cease-fire group was considering; I did not say whether we would be prepared to vote for such a resolution. Riddell subsequently telephoned to say that Pearson was pleased with our attitude. Meanwhile, Rau had requested that a meeting of the cease-fire group be held at noon today. Rav did -9. ORABOOM