701.9341/51: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Gauss) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 22—1:05 p.m.]
704. Chinese official protest against British suspension Chinese diplomatic immunities is apparently known to many Chinese and to foreign correspondents. There has been Chinese resentment based on feeling that incident represents further evidence British do not view China as one of “Big Four”. Generalissimo reportedly first heard of the matter through Reuters dispatch released here (Embassy’s 691, April 20, 3 p.m.33). Chinese “face” has been outwardly saved by Central News Agency publication United Press despatch April 18 from London stating British circles close to Government emphasize that action taken does not mean that “British [Government?] does not recognize” China as a major power and that China was excluded because she is not participating directly in the war against Germany [Page 60] to extent of others. Chinese resentment remains, however, and affair indicates deep sensitivity of China to any slight or inference that China’s international position is not one of equality with major powers.
- Not printed; in telegram No. 543, April 22, 8 p.m., to the Ambassador in China, the Department stated: “The action taken at London mentioned in your 691, April 20, 3 p.m., was the result of a military decision in which the Department was not involved, but which the Department is supporting in view of its obvious military necessity.” (701.9341/50)↩