893.00/1–847: Telegram
The Ambassador in China ( Stuart ) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 8—10:50 a.m.]
43. Embassy appreciated Department’s concern relative to situation here. It has been following developments closely and has been in constant touch with various Chinese officials, who are thoroughly aware of potentialities of situation. (Deptel 20, January 4).
Upon hearing from Marine authorities North China that they were experiencing difficulty in obtaining information from Chinese authorities in connection with investigation of alleged Peiping rape case, I brought this personally to attention of Generalissimo, who immediately ordered local authorities Peiping to expedite investigation and make all information available to Marines immediately. Following student demonstrations at Embassy residence, Chiang Mon-lin, Secretary [General of] Executive Yuan, called to express his deep concern that these demonstrations should be assuming a broadly anti-American coloration, and stated that instructions had been issued to prevent intrusion into American official or private establishments. On night of January 3, Wei Hsueh-chih, principal secretary of the Foreign Minister,15 called at home of Minister-Counselor to express same sentiments. Also, afternoon of January 6 when Butterworth called at FonOff in connection with another matter the Foreign Minister himself raised question of student demonstrations and expressed his regret and displeasure at their occurrence, and pointed out that to his personal knowledge there were large numbers of students who had refused to participate in demonstrations which were so markedly anti-American.
On January 4 Executive Yuan instructed Ministry of Education and provincial and municipal authorities to prevent all activities [Page 14] likely to affect Sino-American relations or activities that were insulting to Americans in China. Throughout [period] agitation in connection with this unfortunate incident, Government-controlled press has adopted attitude that this isolated incident should not be the cause for demonstrations of a broad political nature, pointing out that the affair was being investigated and that final settlement would be made in accordance with evidence obtained.
From foregoing Dept will realize that Chinese Government is aware of potential seriousness of this matter, and Embassy considers that throughout it has been handled very well by authorities. On the whole, demonstrations have been orderly and while not wishing to minimize danger latent in such demonstrations, Embassy does not believe that our approach to Chinese Government such as suggested in reference telegram should be made at this stage. Furthermore, there is a very weak danger that on another occasion the Chinese Government may employ too harsh methods since those who incline to such tactics now argue that the authority of the Government is under challenge.
Some of the demonstrators at Embassy on January 2 were affiliated with Democratic League, but there is no doubt as [that] there was Communist influence at work, as has also been indicated by reports reaching Embassy from Consuls General at Shanghai, Tientsin, Peiping and Chungking. Embassy considers that, on the whole, demonstrations may best be interpreted as a manifestation of general discontent and unrest caused by overall political-economic situation existing in China. Widespread resentment against Government which cannot be openly expressed is being turned almost entirely against the US. However, it is significant that student bodies involved have nearly all had previous contacts with American troops.
Department, of course, will not fail to realize that there exists in China potentially explosive political situation, and without being alarmist, it is possible to foresee serious disturbances within the next few months. Such disturbances may well occur in Shanghai during the current winter, assuming more serious and significant proportions than was case in street hawker riots of November 30 and December 1. In such a situation the position of US is particularly vulnerable so long as presence American troops in China offers as immediately available target for propagandists of any coloration and for normally latent Chinese xenophobia.
With regard to last sentence of telegram under reference, Embassy has endeavored to make factual release as occasion offered. At Embassy’s [Page 15] request, General Howard16 at press conference at Shanghai on January 5 outlined Marine procedure of investigation and court martial and explained possible penalties in event guilt established. Howard further promised that details of investigation and findings would be released as soon as investigation is completed and these findings will be given as wide dissemination as possible by USIS.