Foreign Relations of the United States, Diplomatic Papers, 1943, China

893.00/15140

Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Far Eastern Affairs (Ballantine) to the Secretary of State ³⁹

[Washington,] September 2, 1943.

Mr. Secretary: Recently there has appeared in the American press considerable discussion of conditions in China and of the state of China’s war effort. Some of that discussion has been extremely critical; some has been sympathetic.

In the light of that discussion and without attempting to deal with all details thereof, FE believes that you may be interested in FE’s comments on certain aspects of the general situation which would seem to be important in reference to this Government’s formulation of policy.

I

In recent months development within the Government of China of an increasingly reactionary type of nationalism has been apparent. This development is marked by suppression of freedom of movement and of expression of thought through expansion of censorship and secret police methods. Conditions exist in which there are inherent factors of potential civil war. Increased propagation of artificial philosophies of national heritage and “destiny”, as enunciated by the leader, and also a growing avoidance of and withdrawal from foreigners have been noted. Economic power is concentrated in a few hands.

If this trend toward political and economic nationalism continues, China will become a country where all opposition to a small ruling group will be stifled and where that ruling group, by inculcating suspicion of foreigners, will stand between the people of China and other nations and peoples. Mutually frank relations would be made difficult by narrow-gauge Chinese nationalistic aspirations which include a desire to occupy a role of leadership throughout the Far East and India where nationalism is growing. Our observers in China frequently in recent months have submitted many statements corroborative of the increasingly reactionary character of the Chinese Government.

II

The present Government of China is admittedly under the exclusive control of the Kuomintang party of which Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek is the “leader”. The Generalissimo through the exercise of balance of power among a group of lesser figures and through his own personal prestige and ability has gathered into his own and his party’s hands the control of much of unoccupied China.

This growth of power has been accompanied by an acceleration of chauvinistic natoinalism. Two recent books under the authorship of the Generalissimo are evidence of this attitude. His China’s Destiny reflects excessive nationalism, a definite inclination toward reliance on fascist doctrines, and a repudiation of democracy. His Chinese Economics similarly exhibits ultra nationalism and fascist ideology. These books display an antipathy for and a suspicion of western nations. Both books have been withdrawn from limited circulation, presumably because of realization of the unfavorable repercussions in western countries which would follow their dissemination. On the other hand, in certain passages of the books friendliness toward the United Nations is specifically expressed. Furthermore, in view of the lack of unity and political decentralization which has been conspicuously a source of national weakness in China, there is something to be said in favor of the emphasis placed in these books on patriotism and the need of developing a cohesive nationalism.

The attitude of the Generalissimo and the Kuomintang toward the so-called “Communists” is further evidence of determination to maintain one-party control. The Chinese “Communists” form the only movement in recent years which has openly aspired to a position of national importance rivaling the Kuomintang. Prior to 1937, war was openly waged between the Central Government and the Chinese “Communists”. In the face of Japanese aggression, however, the Kuomintang and the “Communists” formed a common front against Japan. Nevertheless they have failed to evolve a stable relationship. The consensus of observers in China is that eventual renewal of civil war is likely. Today the “Communist” territory is blockaded by several hundred thousand of the best troops in China, and block houses have been erected facing the “Communists”. In justice to the Chinese Government, however, it should be added that, while blockading the Chinese “Communists”, those troops are at the same time guarding a vital part of China from a possible Japanese advance into the northwest.

III

There has been pointed out the desirability of bringing into the light points of difference and friction in international affairs. The virus of nationalism in China, with its attendant internal manifestations, with its suspicion and misunderstanding, is capable of becoming a cancer. Perhaps the most important political problems which we shall face in achievement of our policies and objectives in the Far East are (a) internal conditions of China; (b) the basic policy aims of Soviet Russia in that area; (c) the relations between Soviet Russia and China; (d) the post-war policies of Great Britain in the Far East; (e) the relations between Great Britain and China and Japan; and (f) Japan’s post-war position in the Far East and the relations between Japan and other Asiatic peoples. The developments in China which have been outlined here most briefly will have a profound effect on all of these problems. The type of nationalism which develops in China can, it is believed, be markedly affected by the policies and programs of this Government.

It is hardly to be expected that the tide of growing nationalism among the Chinese, or for that matter among all Asiatics and many colored peoples, can be dissipated. Rather than to attempt to destroy the feeling of nationalism, it would seem to be more desirable to attempt to direct it into healthy channels and to avoid the spread of mutual suspicion and misunderstanding and blind faith in preclusive nationalism.

It is not believed that these developments, which in large part have the character of manifestations of an evolving trend of national development, call for specific action at this moment and no recommendation for action is submitted. It is believed to be highly important, however, that we should all be aware of this trend in the present Government of China in order that problems which arise from time to time may be viewed in their proper perspective.

These developments are most important for the long-swing postwar world, and in view of the close interest which the President has in China and in the Far East, it is believed that you may wish at an opportune moment to discuss these developments with the President, not with a view to suggesting any immediate action but merely for the purpose of informing him of the evolving situation and potentialities in China.

J[oseph] W. B[allantine]

39. Forwarded to the Secretary of State by the Adviser on Political Relations (Hornbeck) with his memorandum of September 15: “This is a volunteered expression by FE of views regarding current developments and trends in China.”