895.01/98: Telegram

The Ambassador in China (Gauss) to the Secretary of State

287. Department’s 218, March 23 [25], midnight. The United Press report is based upon an address made by Sun Fo before a local cultural association which subsequently appeared in the Chinese language press in abbreviated form. The extracts reported by the United Press correspondent are substantially correct although Dr. Sun, rather than announce the adoption of a Pacific Charter, stated [Page 731] that the Atlantic Charter could, and expressed confidence that it did, apply to all parts of the world.

The Embassy believes that Dr. Sun (1) in bespeaking independence for Indians, Indochinese, Koreans and other peoples and (2) in asking recognition of the Korean Provisional Government was not acting under the instructions of his Government or with its foreknowledge. With respect to (1), there is little reason to doubt however that the Chinese favor independence for India and other eastern countries, but with respect to (2) the Chinese Foreign Office has made it clear to the Embassy that it is not yet prepared to accord recognition to the Korean Provisional Government.

Dr. Sun Fo by virtue of his family position2 assumes and apparently is [able?] to procure greater freedom of expression on political matters than is the case with other party and Government officials. It is not believed, however, that his influence in party councils is commensurate with his position or that declarations by him are necessarily recognized by the Chinese Government[’s] responsible officials.

Gauss
  1. As son of Sun Yat-sen.