125.0093/11–1148: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Stuart)
Washington, November
16, 1948—5 p. m.
1630. Dept commends in general proposed directive (ur 2162 Nov 11) govern USIS operations areas which may come under Communist control. Dept offers following considerations this subject for comment and repetition to appropriate posts in Emb discretion:
- 1.
- In Communist controlled areas or in event establishment Communist-dominated Govt all or most China, USIS operations and trade opportunities likely remain two principal US means influence. Hence Dept agrees it extremely important exercise tact caution necessary to avoid shutdown USIS operations which would deprive US one its most important future weapons.
- 2.
- As arm US policy USIS must be guided by same considerations that guide overall US policies. While there no intention surrender our objective of a free independent China friendly to US or compromise our principles, it must be recognized that most effective course to achieve our objective while supporting our principles need not always be most direct and obvious one. This consideration applies paragraphs 6 and 7 proposed directive.
- 3.
- Last sentence para 6 seems suggest course which likely to result in closing offices in Communist areas, especially if widespread private distribution attempted or effected. While such frontal assault Communism will in time be made, it would seem unwise tactics isolated USIS offices immediately launch suicidal attacks. Depending on local circumstances and relationship with Communist officials, it might be useful provide latter with material on fate Eastern European countries as matter info to them, believe unwise attempt wider dissemination immediately.
- 4.
- Based on OWI95 experience Yenan and Exec Hqtrs Peiping, Dept believes there will be heavy demand from Communist functionaries others for books, movies, pictures all other info materials from US. Even though many items will obviously be censored, Dept believes in long run it will be most advantageous maintain maximum flow info through all media possible even though much will reach only Communist officials and censors.
- 5.
- It will be a vitally important contribution if we can provide Chinese Communist leaders with an accurate picture of the western world and thus avoid a situation where their decisions and actions are based solely on info first filtered through Moscow. If in addition a considerable portion of this US info can reach Chinese public living under Communist regimes, USIS will be most useful adjunct US policy.
- 6.
- Above considerations suggest that at this stage USIS offices in Communist areas might well be considered sources whatever American ideas, knowledge, info can be spread under present circumstances rather than active psychological warfare outposts serving as centers aid and comfort to any who presently trying overthrow new regimes. Time may come when US policy will dictate change to latter type operation but premature assumption such role only prejudice future success.
- 7.
- If value info on outside world apparent to local Communist officials as Yenan and Exec Hqtrs experience suggests, believe requests for display Communist literature in USIS offices as already requested Mukden can be tactfully deflected by pointing out USIS libraries contain US material, their function supply picture US life and thought, that Congress appropriates funds support them for this sole purpose. As Emb points out precedent refusal accept Kmt literature exists. Also precedent successful continuance USIS libraries without altering exclusive US character exists in Iron Curtain countries where govts so far foreborne press action which necessitate change or closure.
Dept will telegraph shortly pertinent info on USIS operations Eastern Europe which deemed useful China and airmail fuller discussion Eastern European experience.96
Lovett