741.93/11–1846: Telegram
The Ambassador in China ( Stuart ) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 18—3:55 a.m.]
1898. British Ambassador35 called to inform me that he had received instructions from London Foreign Office regarding China policy of his Government which he indicated consisted of three points, the second and third being concerned respectively with British commercial and capital interests. The first was to the effect that British Government proposed to keep in step with China policy of US so far as this consisted in giving moral support to National Government of China and of encouraging in every possible way development of a strong and stable government on a broadly democratic basis. As to ways and means for carrying this out, Ambassador suggested that I consult with General Marshall and added that his Government hesitated to intervene for fear of complications with Russia. He said, however, that he would be ready to speak with President Chiang, Communist Party leaders and others whenever it was felt that this would be helpful. He added that Department had been similarly informed through British Embassy in Washington.
I of course expressed my personal gratitude for this assurance of Anglo-American association in a policy for China. Since his arrival in Nanking, I have been keeping in constant touch with British Ambassador regarding Chinese political developments.
Incidentally, in discussing the Foreign Office instructions with a member of the Embassy staff, Sir Ralph Stevenson queried how the [Page 550] intention of British Government to avoid intervention in Chinese political affairs could be squared with its offer to have him cooperate with US in negotiating with the Communist Party delegation on domestic issues.
- Sir Ralph Stevenson.↩