893.00/8–1048: Telegram

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

1180. Analysis of China situation and statement of possible problems which may confront US set forth in Embtels 1472 and 1473 of Aug 10 have been very helpful to Dept in its consideration of possible courses of action open to US Govt.

While Dept will keep actively in mind questions raised it is not likely that situation will make it possible for us at this juncture to formulate any rigid plans for our future policy in China. Developments in China are obviously entering into a period of extreme flux and confusion in which it will be impossible with surety to perceive clearly far in advance the pattern of things to come and in which this Govt plainly must preserve a maximum freedom of action.

For immediate practical purposes you should be guided by Deptel 1164, Aug 12.

Marshall