893.00/12–2948: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 29—9:55 a. m.]
2647. With clear imminence passage control large part of China, including its major food and industrial production centers, to Communists or fall [of?] coalition and in absence any possibility US military intervention on scale necessary to turn tide or hold present lines, we have been casting about for some means by which US Government might seize initiative from Kremlin in this area, loss of which implies such serious danger to rubber, tin and oil areas further south.
Is there any possibility that northern Korea constitutes an area in which a diplomatic offensive on our part might catch the Soviets off balance, with resultant repercussions not only in the Chinese Communist Party but throughout Asia? History of UN Commission might afford basis for adoption of forceful position in which other members of UN would join.
We realize serious risks and disadvantages would be involved. Nevertheless, we believe that it is essential without loss of time to regain initiative in Asia by positive action which would be within UN framework and backed by the possibility, in extremes, of applying force. Otherwise we will suffer the full consequences of major diplomatic defeat in China with all its ultimate strategic implications in Asia.