740.0011 Moscow/234
The Adviser on Political Relations ( Hornbeck ) to the Secretary of State
Dear Mr. Secretary: I have found, in the course of a number of conversations which I have had with British officials since arriving here, a surprising unanimity of opinion that an exclusive commitment for purposes of leadership on the part of the Anglo-Saxon Powers would not be the most practical objective to pursue, together with a general leaning toward the concept that in the formation of an “Executive Committee” for United Nations purposes, an arrangement [Page 822] among four Powers (that is including China) would be better than either a two Powers or a three Powers arrangement. With regard especially to China, there has appeared among those with whom I have talked a general consensus of view that it would be easier to influence China with regard to both the international aspects and the internal aspects of her development if China be on the inside of whatever special grouping there may be of the major nations than if China be on the outside. This is what I have found most interesting in discussions with the comparatively small number of contacts with whom I have had discussions thus far. The persons with whom I have held these discussions are, however, persons in important positions. You will realize that it is gratifying to me to have encountered these views and that I am hoping to find that they are widely held.
I trust that your journey will be a safe one and your efforts be crowned with great success.
Yours sincerely,