893.20 Missions/2–1148
The Director of the Office of Far Eastern Affairs (Butterworth) to the Minister-Counselor of Embassy in China (Clark)
Dear Lewis: In connection with your telegram no. 280 of February 11, I have been asked to reiterate and emphasize to you the reasoning upon which the Secretary’s telegram no. 212 of February 9 was based. If you will read this telegram again, particularly the last three sentences of the first paragraph, you will note that it is not merely predicated upon the requirements of meeting United States responsibilities, actual and potential, in other areas of the world although these are and will be large and increasing. It is in large part predicated upon the undesirability of the United States assuming responsibilities and commitments in China which in themselves would inevitably [Page 31] destroy our freedom of action and impose upon the United States burdens which it cannot bear and dangers which it should not, in present circumstances, risk.
I enclose a copy of the prepared statement which the Secretary made in the Executive Sessions to the Foreign Relations Committees of the House and Senate.68 At both sessions, he elaborated on this statement at various points and, of course, in replying to questions put to him by members of the Committees.
I cannot overemphasize the confidential character of this document. I do not think it should leave the Chancellery. At the same time, I hope you will find means of showing it to Jack Cabot69 and to other principal collaborators and assistants.
As ever,