Diplomacy

On the accession of Independence, Forbes Burnham had little experience with the world of international politics apart from his participation in student organisations in the United Kingdom, a visit to Eastern Europe and the activities relevant to the attainment of Independence by the country of his birth. Yet when he assumed the portfolio of Minister of Foreign Affairs as Guyana acceded to Independence it was not long before he demonstrated a unique acumen in understanding the way in which the world was governed.

And this applies with particular force to the question of the recognition of the People’s Republic of China on the 27th June 1972. As Foreign Minister, Forbes Burnham not only accessed the power configuration of the world at the time of Guyana’s Independence. He could see that the world was locked into a bipolar system which was dominated by the two super powers. But he recognised that the distribution of power in the interna- tional system was incomplete without the participation of China. At that time Beijing was not only isolated but the United States made it known that it would not take kindly to its recognition by any State in the Western Hemisphere which it dominated. But Mr. Burnham had courage of his convictions and he knew that it was just a question of time before China entered the comity of nations. He therefore took urgent steps to initiate talks with the People’s Republic to China through our High Commission in Canada. These talks were successful and relations were established and Guyana and China initially established the Trade Offices in their respective capitals. The establishment of Embassies occurred in 1972.

In 1975, Mr. Burnham visited the People’s Republic of China and was greeted on arrival by the Vice Premier, Deng Xiaoping and a high level delegation. Mr. Burnham and his delegation also met the Chinese Premier, Zhou En-Lai. Given his recognition of the importance of China to the development and evolution of the international system, it would be an order to quote, however briefly, the remarks he made on this occasion in the Great Hall of the People. Speaking at the banquet, Mr. Burn- ham referred to the importance of the need for “new structures” of economic development and cooperation and praised the Communist Party of China for seeking the all-round development of its peoples. He also referred to the “invaluable sup- port of the Chinese people in establishing a new world order free from super powers and spheres of influence, a world in which the progressive forces of mankind can shape a future worthy of man is understood and appreciated by increasing numbers of people, not only in Guyana, but also throughout the Third World.” It is noteworthy also that in the final communiqué issued at the end of Mr. Burnham’s visit, it is stated that, “Both sides are of the view that all countries must be treated as equals. Big na- tions should not threaten small ones, strong nations should not oppress weak ones, and rich nations should not plunder poor ones. The affairs of each country should be managed by the people of that country. The affairs of the world should be settled by all countries through the consultations on the basis of equality. Both sides resolutely condemn any foreign aggression, interference, control and subversion.” Forbes Burnham assessment that China was essential to the effective functioning of the international system was one which was not limited to the foreign policy of Guyana. He regarded Guyana’s recognition of the People’s Republic of China as functioning as a bridge to the rest of the English-speaking Caribbean. He therefore reached out to his fellow Heads of State and Governments in the Caribbean Community and recommended that they established diplomatic relations with Beijing in the interest of promoting a more just international system. If today the Caribbean Community benefits immensely from the economic success of China, some measure of praise must be ex- tended to the statesmanship of Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham.