740.0011 PW (Peace)/8–2447: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Secretary of State, at Petropolis
100. For the Secretary: We suggest following reply to Nanking’s 1770 Aug 22, which is being repeated to you separately.39 We do not completely rule out the possibility of a meeting such as that suggested by Dr. Wang but have rejected his suggestion in proposed reply on basis that (1) we should do our best to stiffen Chinese backbone, (2) we should maintain a firm position with Soviets and (3) in any event decision should be made in light of situation existing at time of GA.
“Please deliver following to FonMin in reply to his letter quoted in urtel 1770 Aug 22:
‘Dear Dr. Wang: I fully share the concern expressed in your letter to me of Aug 21 over the possibility of Soviet refusal to participate in the proposed Japanese peace settlement conference. We are very conscious of the dangers of such a development and I assure you that the United States Govt, for its part, will spare no effort in securing the Soviet Govts participation.
At the same time I am firmly convinced, as are apparently all the other powers concerned, that the future peace and stability of the Far East demand an early start on a Japanese peace settlement. I am also firmly convinced, for reasons set forth in our communication to the Soviet Govt of Aug 12, that this settlement should be considered ab initio by the 11 powers directly concerned. I am, of course, in complete agreement with the purpose of your suggestion that the FonMins of China, the US, UK and USSR should meet at the time of the GA for an exchange of views on the organization and procedure of the Japanese peace settlement conference. It is clear, however, that such a meeting would compromise the principle of 11-power participation, and I feel, therefore, that its purpose could be better achieved by the Chinese and other interested govts individually taking such action as they feel may be helpful in obtaining Soviet acceptance of the principles upon which we are agreed.
I am looking forward to seeing you and discussing this matter further when we meet next month in New York.
With best wishes, Faithfully yours, G. C. Marshall.’
When you hand Dr. Wang above letter please inform him of my opinion that the Chinese Govt is overly concerned regarding the effect on the Soviet attitude toward Dairen of peace treaty discussions without Soviet participation. That port is now effectively denied to the Chinese and I see no reason to hope that peace settlement discussions, even with Soviet participation, would per se result in an early change in this situation. Please point out to Dr. Wang in a friendly but positive manner the obvious advantages to China of participation and the serious disadvantages to her of refusal to participate in any Jap peace settlement conference to which a majority of the powers concerned may agree. You may also inform him that our present feeling is that it will be impracticable for a conference to convene before the opening of the GA.”40