761.93/6–2747: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 27—4:20 a.m.]
1409. Department will have noted series of recent press statements by Dr. Sun Fo80 with regard to Soviet support of Chinese Communists and China’s need for immediate American assistance; contents [Page 204] of Embtel 1345, June 19, 11 p.m.; Chinese magnification of recent Sinkiang border clash; Chief of Staff’s statements with regard to Soviet-trained Korean military units in Manchuria; Chinese reports to Embassy, not yet confirmed to Embassy’s satisfaction, of removal of Chen Li-fu from office and of declaration of independence of Kwangtung and Kwangsi, also unconfirmed (reEmbtel’s 1364, June 21 and 1406, June 2681). In same vein, Chen Chi-tien, Minister of Economic Affairs, in interview with Durdin82 on June 26 stated on record that without outside assistance military and economic collapse is imminent and that Government military units in Shantung and Shansi are already in open revolt.
These and a variety of other minor occurrences, statements and magnifications within recent weeks lead Embassy to belief that key officials of Chinese Government, recognizing that US has adopted in Europe and Middle East a firm stand against Soviet political expansionism, are constrained to take steps amounting to diplomatic offensive in effort to encourage adoption similar American attitude in China vis-à-vis the Chinese Communists and Soviet Russia.
It is regrettable, but it is nevertheless a fact, that this constitutes the only discernible current action being undertaken in the face of prevalent and increasing atmosphere of defeatism.