693.0031 Tibet/8–848: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 8—10:50 a. m.]
1458. ReDeptel 1127, August 4, 7 p. m. Foreign Minister has advised Embassy that he cannot agree with American position on question of Tibetan call on President. He adds that his Government is deeply appreciative of Secretary’s assurances that no change is contemplated in American stand on question of Chinese sovereignty over Tibet. In view of American recognition Chinese sovereignty, Foreign Minister says he believes Chinese position concerning call on President should be first consideration. He therefore renews request that Tibetans not be permitted call on President unless accompanied by Chinese Ambassador and suggests that American refusal be explained to Tibetans on grounds that recognition of Chinese sovereignty requires that priority be given to Chinese wishes.
Embassy believes that Chinese stand is based on three factors:
- (1)
- Foreign Minister is so sensitive on question Chinese sovereignty that any action which by any stretch of the imagination could be construed as a reflection on that sovereignty is repugnant to him;
- (2)
- Foreign Minister feels Tibetans will use call on President as precedent when they visit London and in collaboration with British will take action on which Chinese cannot favor;
- (3)
- Control Yuan has openly and strongly been attacking Foreign Office with charges that it has not shown sufficient firmness in protecting Chinese interests in Tibet.