The Future of Formosa

New Zealand Listener, Volume 31, Issue 796, 22 October 1954, Page 22

The Future of Formosa

Extracts from a recent commentary on the international news broadcast from the main National Stations of the NZBS

URING the week Mr. Attlee put forward a suggestion .., that Chiang Kai-shek should be retired from Formosa which could then be placed under United Nations control for a'time and finally handed to Communist China. . . Formosa is by implication vested in the Allied Powers collectively or, what is almost the same thing, the United Nations. I do not. agree with those who argue that the Cairo and Potsdam Declarations passed sovereignty in Formosa to China. . . Nor, apparently, does the New Zealand Government take that | attitude. An article in the August, 1951, issue of External Affairs Review states that the future of Formosa will remain open after signature of the Peace Treaty with Japan. It cannot be argued that Chiang Kai-shek has acquired a title to Formosa by reason of possession, because at the time his occupation began he was merely the agent of the Allied Powers. : If, then, I am correct in assuming that Formosa is vested in the Allied Powers or, what is almost the same thing, the United Nations, it is clear that any disposition of the island must be made by the Allied Powers or the United Nations. This apparently is what that Chiang Kai-shek will retire gracefully from Formosa so as to permit the United Nations to administer the island for a time prior to handing it to China? While the United States follows its present policy such a possibility is remote. Rather than showing any sign of waning interest in Formosa, the United States has recently affirmed its determination to maintain the Chiang Kaishek régime in power, even if this involves the use of the Seventh Fleet against Communist naval and air forces. sme Im this situation it is unlikely that Mr, Attlee’s suggestion will be seriously ‘tonsidered. Can it be said that the pro- | posal of the London Economist is more likely to be supported? The Economist saw three possible solutions to the problem of Formosa. The first is to abandon it to the Communists. This may have some support in the United Kingdom, but United States opposition would prevent this becoming a reality. The second is to place Formosa under United \.Nations trusteeship. This has some of success, but at present the Peking Government is opposed to it. Their attitude might change, however. The third is the recognition | of Formosa as a state. The Economist argues strongly for this) It is said to be consistent with-the attitude taken by the United Kingdom Government towards recognition of China. When the Communist Government of China was recognised, it was said that recognition was merely acceptance of realitiesthat the Peking Government was the -effective government of China. Mr. Webb has made a statement on similar lines. The Economist says that what is sauce for the Peking goose is sauce also for the Formosan gander. Because government of Formosa he should be recognised as such. With this I would agree, provided that Formosa was admitted to the United Nations. I have already stressed Mr. Attlee had in mind. But is it likely Chiang Kai-shek is head of the effective

the relationship between the United Nations and Formosa. The approval of the United Nations must be given to the new situation, and this could best be done by admission of the new state. But before this could be brought about it would be necessary to come to some understanding with the Soviet Union concerning admission of new members to the United Nations, otherwise the application would be vetoed in the Security Council. At the current session of the United Nations it was decided, with New Zealand support, that no change should be made at present in the representation of China at the United Nations. But Mr. Webb has stated that Red China must eventually take her seat there. Perhaps some kind of compromise can be worked out under which the United States would agree to recognise the Communist Government and support the seating of her representatives at the United Nations. In return, China and the Soviet Union could be expected to agree to the admission of Formosa as a separate state. Chiang Kai-shek would be required to abandon Quemoy and Little Quemoy, which are within artillery range of the mainland of China. This is worthy of serious consideration. The. present situation is dangerous and could easily lead to hostilities between China and the United States. If this occurred we might be required to honour our commitments under the ANZUS Treaty and so become involved in military action against the Peking Government. It is to be hoped that the explosive situation will be ended by action of the kind suggested under which Chinese claims to Formosa are abandoned. -DR. J. F. NORTHEY, October 2, 1954.