893.48/3–148: Telegram
The Ambassador in China ( Stuart ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:25 p.m.]
386. [To Shanghai:] As long as we continue to recognize and support Central Government of China we consider that it would be improper on our part to afford indirect assistance to Communist controlled regimes and areas by use of CRM (China Relief Mission) relief assistance. We are aware of the dire need for such assistance in many areas of North China controlled by the Communists and to which access for relief purposes might be available, but, for the time being at least, we feel that political considerations must outweigh humanitarian considerations (reference urtel 326, February 28, 3 p.m., repeated Department as 457).
As for the suggestion that Dodds engage in exploratory talks in this connection we are definitely opposed thereto even though they may be for information of CRM only. We consider that if Dodds is sent as an American emissary in connection with the release of the four captured marines he should go with the distinct understanding that he [is] to confine himself to that subject alone.
Sent Shanghai 163; repeated Department 386, Tsingtao by courier.