121.893/9–1947
Memorandum of Conversation, by Mr. Philip D. Sprouse81
During my call on Mr. Lamb82 on July 31, he made the following comments on the situation in China:
The present situation in China seemed hopeless and he did not believe that any real solution was possible for a long time to come. The prevailing sentiment among Chinese Government officials was one of complete defeatism and reliance on U. S. aid to pull them out of their difficulties. It was to be doubted that any amount of aid could be really effective under present circumstances. When several weeks ago the Chinese finally decided that U. S. aid would not be forthcoming, there were indications of a psychological improvement in that the Government appeared to realize that it would have to take measures of its own to meet the situation. This reaction changed with the announcement of General Wedemeyer’s Mission and the Government had returned to its feeling of dependence upon the U. S. A study of Chinese history during the past century would indicate that we are perhaps merely returning to a normal situation in China and that the comparative peace in the 1930’s was abnormal. Events moved slowly in China and after the present long period of turmoil ended there would again some day be stability and peace in China. The best means of approaching the present situation might be to do nothing to prevent Chinese Communist control. The foreign powers had often bogged down in the Chinese morass and it might be well to allow the Soviets, through the Chinese Communists, to have their turn in becoming embroiled in the Chinese problem. They would be able to do nothing for China and sooner or later the Chinese would learn this and turn on the Russians and kick them out. They would have a clear picture of the difference between the Anglo-Saxon powers and the USSR.
A striking feature of the present situation is the decline in the Generalissimo’s prestige, which has been accelerated in recent months. People now openly criticize him, although no one suggests a possible successor. The Chinese want foreign aid but they want to give nothing in return except opposition against Communism. The people are disillusioned and disgusted. Even the lower classes in Peiping are anti-Government, saying that the present regime is exactly like the Japanese administration in its exploitation of the people. Levies on [Page 697] merchants in Peiping and the renewal of conscription are arousing further opposition and criticism.
The only hopeful sign in the situation in the north is the recent organization, under the auspices of Dr. Hu Shih and other university leaders at Peiping and Tientsin, of an association of like-minded people to arouse interest among the people and educate them to their duties as citizens in establishing democratic forms of government in that area. While this newly formed association is not a political party, its influence may be felt and it might grow into something of importance.
Commenting on the presence of Marshal Li Chi-shen in Hong Kong as the leader of dissident elements in south China, Mr. Lamb said that it was interesting to note that in all the attacks by the Chinese Kuomintang press at Canton on British retention of Hong Kong that press carefully avoided any reference to the “British sin” of giving refuge to Marshal Li.
Mr. Lamb has been in China for approximately 20 years, serving with the British Embassy and various Consulates General. He is considered to be one of the outstanding British diplomatic officers in their China service.
His opinions were echoed partially by another member of the British Embassy staff, except in stronger terms. This source, who has been in China for about 12 years, said that it was his feeling that there was no hope for China as long as the Generalissimo continued in office since the latter was incapable, through his training and mentality, of ever carrying out the reforms necessary to enable the Government to meet the Communist challenge and to regain the support of the people.