761.93/2–2745: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Atcheson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:52 a.m.]
306. Embassy has been reliably informed that there is being drafted in Foreign Office a Sino-Soviet treaty of amity of 20 years’ duration for possible submission by T. V. Soong during his projected visit to Moscow (ReEmbtel 196, February 8).
Some observers interpret this as an unrealistic effort on part of Chinese Government to (1) strengthen its hands in its negotiations with the Chinese Communists12 and to preclude any agreement between Yenan and Moscow, (2) forestall possible claims by Moscow for special consideration on Sinkiang, Manchuria or Korea and (3) show the world that Chungking is not entirely dependent on goodwill of United States and England.
In view of (a) continued failure of Yenan and Chungking to come to terms, (b) unsatisfactory nature of Sino-Soviet relations over Sinkiang problem13 and (c) openly hostile attitude of present ruling groups in Chungking toward communism and their strong distrust of USSR, it is not believed that such a treaty would have much chance of successful negotiation.