No authority does not imply they have to bend over and parrot governments' messages. WHO could have simply requested permission to send an early investigation

No authority does not imply they have to bend over and parrot governments' messages. WHO could have simply requested permission to send an early investigation team, and if refused, warn the rest of the world that investigations were refused. They could have been the canary in the coal mine and let other governments, who do have power, pressure the one that refuses to cooperate.