761.9312 (Aggressor)/4: Telegram
The Chargé in the Soviet Union (Henderson) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 31—11:30 a.m.]
238. 1. In addition to publishing text in full, most Moscow daily newspapers yesterday carried leading editorials devoted to the Soviet-Chinese non-aggression pact. Although somewhat differently phrased these editorials were practically identical with respect to content. The points brought out in them were as follows:
- (a)
- The Chinese Government for internal and external reasons has for years been delaying the conclusion of the pact, negotiations with respect to which were begun in 1933.
- (b)
- Under pressure of the Chinese masses who are friendly to the Soviet Union and of the present complicated international situation, the Chinese Government has been impelled to bring the negotiations to a successful conclusion.
- (c)
- The pact is a new instrument of peace and collective security and shows to the whole world how the military menace which has appeared in the Far East and Europe might best be combated.
- (d)
- The pact emphasizes the friendly feeling of the Soviet Union for China. The Soviet Union, although following a policy of noninterference in the international affairs of China, is, nevertheless, watching with sympathy China’s struggle for independence and national unification.
2. The Chinese Ambassador in discussing the pact informed me in confidence last night that its conclusion signified that
- (a)
- China had abandoned all hope of coming to any amicable agreement with Japan. The pact was a definite reply to Japan. After entering into it the National Government could not, for instance, accede to Japan’s demand that it join the anti-Communist front.
- (b)
- The Central Government had definitely decided to resist Japanese aggression with force of arms and was therefore prepared to use every means in its power to strengthen its international position and to obtain assistance wherever there might be a promise of finding it.
- (c)
- China hoped to achieve a close rapprochement with the Soviet Government which might have far reaching and beneficial possibilities. It hoped that the conclusion of the pact was only a beginning.
3. Soviet officials are disinclined to discuss pact with foreign diplomats or other foreigners. Nevertheless, it is the consensus of those foreign observers here, whom I consider most competent, that the Soviet Union was glad to conclude the pact just now because
- (a)
- It hoped thereby to enhance its international reputation as a proponent of peace without any cost to itself.
- (b)
- It hoped thereby to strengthen its influence and prestige in China particularly among the liberals and left wing elements.
- (c)
- The existence of the pact would render it more difficult for the National Government and the Japanese Government to come to an understanding.
4. It is not believed that the conclusion of the pact connotes any change in Soviet policies with respect to China as set forth in my 234, August 26, 10 p.m.