China and the UN SIR,—Mr. Murray Kempton's otherwise able sum-
mary of the present situation of the United Nations vis-à-vis Chinese representation ('Knock on the Door,' November 26) neglects two salient points. He omits to mention that on a resolution preceding the tied vote on the actual representation of China. the General Assembly passed a resolution (fifty-six to forty-nine) to the effect that any proposal to change the representation of China was an 'impor- tant question,' and thus requiring a two-thirds majority. In other words, if, and when, the 'im- portant question' resolution is negated by a simple majority, the actual representation of China will become a reality, and the interests will centre on whether China will take the option of membership, and whether the acceptance of realities in world affairs is not too late.
Furthermore, and this tends to support the under- lying tone of your article 'Chapter Six and Chapter Seven (Views of the Week), the British govern- ' meat was the only member of the United Nations that voted for both the important question. resolu- tion and the representation resolution. The point might be argued that whilst the question of Chinese representation is an important question—from any angle—the future development of the Organisation towards universality is even more important. If the British government had taken that view, and thus influenced the decisions of others, the whole question of Chinese representation might have been .solved once and for all, and Britain would have partially satisfied those who are disturbed by her recent policy towards the UN.
Peterhouse, Cambridge
JOHN BURLEY
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