893.00/5–748: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Stuart)
734. Personal for the Ambassador from Butterworth.35 In line with suggestion final paragraph Shanghai’s 778 May 7 to Emb36 we are considering possibility of Secretary’s issuance statement on occasion inauguration Pres and Vice Pres May 20. We are aware possibility such statement might serve encourage moves such as those described Embtel 874 May 13. On other hand statement might tend encourage reform forces facilitate program designed improve conditions before further deterioration makes such action more difficult and less likely. We are weighing question whether sufficient advantage to be gained from statement to offset disadvantages arising from possible, even probable, misinterpretation, controversy and debate both there and here.
Before deciding whether to present to Secy for consideration I should appreciate having the benefit of your personal reaction and suggestions to a statement along following lines:
“U. S. Govt notes with pleasure occasion inauguration Gimo Chiang Kai-shek as first Pres Republic China and Marshal Li Tsung-jen as first Vice Pres Republic China under new constitution. Elections these outstanding leaders China by secret ballot in National Assembly were auspicious beginning constitutional Govt China. U. S. Govt looks forward to success their joint efforts directed toward promoting economic recovery and stability China and thus alleviating hardships which Chinese people are suffering. It is hoped China Aid Program will assist them in their efforts to this end.”
- [Butterworth]
- Marshall