893.00/2–2448: Telegram

The Ambassador in China ( Stuart ) to the Secretary of State

348. ReEmbtel 338, February 23, noon. As a result of furor caused by my original interview with United Press and the subsequent elaboration I gave to Central News, there has been strong attack in Chinese press and Government circles on UP. In order to protect position of UP, I, therefore, on February 24 addressed following letter to Mr. Clurman which I trust will end argument.

“In order to clear the record once and for all and to straighten out your position in the interview I gave you February 21, I wish to state [Page 113] that the quotes which you attributed to me were correct and that I agreed to their publication. I must also state, however, that I did not realize the interpretation which would be placed on my remarks in certain quarters, the fashion in which the headlines would play up certain sentences out of context or the meaning which would be read into them with respect to US policy. I had no intention of giving the impression I advocated that the Chinese Government should now undertake to renew negotiations with the Chinese Communists.

You may publish this letter.”

Stuart