811.20200(D)/10–2748: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 27—9:39 a. m.]
2015. Trend of events in China makes it imperative informational policy be geared to short range objectives and all efforts devoted this end alone. We can no longer afford to waste time detailing life in America. We must expend all energy in fight against communism and drop long-range objectives for time being.
[Page 523]Chinese are generally much too indifferent to present crisis in so far as it points towards Communist victory. Since Government has failed to win people to its cause, we must at least wage bitter fight to limit our resources, spotlighting predicament Chinese people will face if Communists or Communist dominated coalition Government gain control China, We cannot sit idly by painting bright picture of U. S. and hope such efforts will turn aside Communist tide. We must use every available fact and all our energies to paint real picture of Communist menace, citing events in USSR, Yugoslavia and elsewhere behind Iron Curtain. We must bring home to Chinese people facts of terrible yoke of slavery which faces all who surrender to communism in mistaken belief it offers hope to common people.
To this end USIS program must immediately be strengthened in all media. News file must be targeted at Communist threat. Poster program has no time for portraying college life in U. S. A., flood control, etc. Our informational media must forcefully explain our own objectives and efforts toward world peace and effectively prove that communism is the principal stumbling block today to world security and a better world for all mankind. The heavy threat of communism must be exposed clearly and factually for all to see and judge for themselves. In particular we must explain and prove great evils and loss of freedom communism holds in store for China.
At same time every useful fact on our ECA aid program must be seized to show our support of all who fight against communism. We must avoid any act at all cost which might undermine Chinese Government efforts to halt Red tide. Should time come when coalition government comes to power, we must be prepared direct entire output to all-out support such non-Communist groups as continue to exist, making it crystal clear that U. S. offers no aid whatever now or futurely to Communist groups for Communist dominated government. Efforts of non-Communist groups will be strengthened and possibly derive support from wavering elements by clear cut informational policy now.
Time already is against us. Special materials to meet the challenge must quickly reach us. USIS can meet this challenge if given the weapons to fight with.
Acting USIS Director concurs.