Extract from a letter from Liam Cosgrave to John A. Costello (Dublin)

I was unable to write to you last night as the Assembly meeting lasted until 11 p.m. and was then adjourned without deciding on the question of the representation of China until this morning. This particular debate has already lasted a long time and may continue for some time today.

We expressed the view, after consultation with the United States, that the present is not an appropriate time for the admission of Red China although there is a fairly strong feeling here that the Chinese People’s Republic, being the de facto Government of China, is entitled to represent the country at the United Nations.

Italy was elected, as expected, to the eighth Vice-Presidency but only after a tie on the first ballot and then with the narrow margin of 40 votes to 37 for Liberia. You can see from this the effect of the Afro-Asian bloc. Sweden and Spain are now the only candidates for the Security Council and there is a strong rumour that Italy has promises of support for the additional European seat on the Security Council next year. Included in the support for Italy will be that of Britain, who, of course, are anti-Spain. This is a matter that I do not feel very satisfied about because it changes the picture from the time we decided to support Sweden before I left for here. You will remember that it was then expected that Italy would get, as she has, the eighth Vice-President seat; that, if Sweden was given the European seat on the Security Council this year, the additional European seat, which does not call to be filled until next year, would be filled by Spain. But, in view of these reports – which I have no doubt are well founded – Italy will next year have the eighth Vice-Presidency and the additional European seat on the Security Council; and, if Sweden is elected to the existing European seat, this will result in the exclusion of Spain.

In my view, Spain, as a Catholic country and as one of the strongest opponents of Communism in Europe, is entitled to some office in the Organisation. This particular action on the part of the British in supporting Italy is typical of their attitude over a number of things and I feel that, if we are to exert a Catholic viewpoint in the United Nations, we must consider how we can exercise that influence by co-ordinating our arrangements between some of the Catholic nations. A decision does not fall to be made for a week or ten days so perhaps you would consider the matter.

As I told you in my last letter, the General Committee recommended a shorter recess and this was approved yesterday by the Assembly. Menon objected to the shorter recess as being too long but yesterday, when there was a proposal to sit late in order to continue the discussion on Red China, Menon objected and said things were being rushed. His antics here are really amazing, and, while, in general, I gather that he is losing stature, he operates as an effective whip on the Afro-Asian representatives and he is continually manoeuvring in all directions.

Yesterday, there was a Press reception. Conor O’Brien met a number of correspondents who expressed favourable views on our attitude and some of them stated that we had got off to a good start here. I mention this comment not as clapping ourselves on the back, but thought you would be interested to know. Also, some members of the vast staff of the Organisation commented favourably to me on the speeches.

[matter omitted]