Office of the Historian

893.00/1–447: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Stuart)

Washington, January 4, 1947—2 p.m.

20. Dept concerned over widespread student demonstrations6 resulting from recent incident Peiping, particularly over their general anti-American character and indications they may be in some measure inspired by Chinese leftist groups. We appreciate your reporting and are gratified by manner in which you are handling. We suggest for your consideration an informal approach to Chinese Govt pointing out seriousness of situation and requesting Chinese Govt take all practical steps bring matters under control. Such steps might include specific statement by the Govt and also effective measures for protection [Page 6] Americans. You might also wish to consider utilizing USIS7 personnel and possibly American correspondents to bring about better dissemination of factual reports both here and in China.

Byrnes
  1. In addition to reports here printed, reports of student demonstrations were received not only from Peiping and Nanking but from a number of other cities.↩
  2. United States Information Service.↩