893.00/12–1748: Airgram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cabot) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 3, 1949—2:14 p. m.]
A–1096. A Reuters’ correspondent has made available to us in confidence the text of an off-the-record interview which he had on November 29 with Ch’iao Mu, Chinese Communist spokesman in Hong Kong. Most of Ch’iao’s statements reported in this interview constituted material which the American Consulate General at Hong Kong has already reported, and more fully, in its recent despatches seen by this office on the subject of Ch’iao Mu’s views. The following statements by Ch’iao have been selected as representing (on the basis of copies of the Hong Kong Consulate General’s despatches that have thus far reached us) statements by Ch’iao which might not fully have come to that office’s attention. Ch’iao’s remarks concerning the treatment to be accorded to foreign press correspondents in “liberated” areas are believed of especial interest.
An understanding between the Communists and the “liberal” elements of the Kuomintang is impossible because the Communists could not possibly have any dealings with so-called “liberals” simply because they cannot be “liberals” if they are still working with Chiang. It is ridiculous to suggest that Sun Fo was appointed premier in order that he might change his policy and talk peace with the Communists. The only Kmt members that Communists would cooperate with are those of the Revolutionary Kuomintang”, headed by Marshal Li Chai-sum in Hong Kong.
The British Government’s policy of “neutrality” in China’s civil war and the hospitality extended to the Communists in Hong Kong is greatly appreciated. The British authorities’ statement that they would not permit Hong Kong to be used as a base of operations against the Government of China was welcome as it is hoped that this policy will continue when the Communists and other liberal groups become China’s recognized government. The Communists would understand the Hong Kong Government’s policy if Nationalist leaders should become refugees in the Colony, as the latter’s position would then be the same as the Communists’ present position. The Chinese Communists could have perfectly normal relations with the United Kingdom.
Mr. Ch’iao made the following remarks about foreign correspondents: 1. Foreign correspondents and other foreigners in “liberated” China are safe under the laws of the People’s Government. This principle will be applied to newly-liberated areas. 2. News-gathering will be allowed. In so far as a state of war exists, the activities of [Page 661] foreign correspondents are to be subjected to the guidance of local military or political authorities. 3. Communication facilities to points outside liberated China will be as extensive as feasible. 4. Full freedom to report true facts will be given. 5. Under mutually agreeable arrangements, it is hoped that the reception and distribution of foreign news agencies’ services may be possible. 6. Reasonable working conditions will be made available for foreign staff correspondents in liberated China.