840.50 Recovery/5–1348: Telegram
The Ambassador in China ( Stuart ) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 13—3:55 a. m.]
860. ReDeptel 791 to Shanghai, repeated Nanking as 653, April 30, 7 p. m. Embassy concurs with Department’s view that issuance statement as suggested by Shanghai would place US in an upward [awkward] position. While Embassy agrees that handling of news and comments regarding aid program could emphasize its benefit to Chinese people, Embassy does not see how we can play down strengthening of present Chinese Government. The fact is that we are supporting this Government and doubtless shall continue to do so.
It seems to Embassy that undue befuddlement on this issue would tend to detract from other aspects of the program. This need not, in the least, alter our previous stand of deploring influence of reactionary group, or of encouraging those who seek progress and efficiency. In spite of the old saying we can make it abundantly clear that despite the presence of one rotten apple we do not intend to discard the whole barrel.
Repeated Shanghai 375.