Of Tea and Rice Bowls

"Drop by for tea and bring your friends," said the Chinese U.N. delegation to the chief of the Chinese section of the U.N.'s translation department. Seemingly, the gesture was Peking's latest effort to win the hearts and minds of the U.N.'s Chinese staff members, most of whom are leftovers from the days when Taiwan represented China at the U.N. During the 31-hr. tea party, delegation officers cautioned translators to read mainland publications more diligently and to brush up on their mainland idioms. They also pointedly reminded the translators that they do not have "iron rice bowls"--permanent job security.

One Peking diplomat told the guests that the translator's main job was "to serve our delegation and the People's Republic of China." That sentiment has rarely been so boldly expressed by a delegate to the U.N., perhaps because it conflicts explicitly with Article 100 of the U.N. Charter, which specifies that staff members "shall not seek or receive instructions from any government or from any other authority external to the organization."

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