501.BB/9–249: Telegram
The Acting United States Representative at the United Nations (Ross) to the Secretary of State
1043. Hickerson eyes only. Distribution only on Hickerson’s direction. During call on Chauvel late this afternoon, he read me short telegram from Foreign Office in response to his report on indication I had given him our line proposed China item GA, as set forth in Deptel 436, August 24.
Foreign Office lukewarm, if not cold, to idea. Felt “most inadvisable” for Chinese raise question and that Tsiang might not do so if he felt satisfactory result not certain in GA. Foreign Office observed this is Chiang Kai-shek idea and in line his policy increase tension between US and USSR.
I gave Chauvel full account my conversation with Tsiang August 26 (mytel 1001) and told him I had discussed with Cadogan and McNaughton.
Chauvel told me he had discussed with Cadogan last night. Cadogan, apparently somewhat cautious with Chauvel, had said he had received [Page 167] brief telegram from London which was “reserved”, and he had telegraphed London asking clarification, to which no reply as yet received.
Chauvel said Tsiang had approached him again yesterday but he had been evasive with Tsiang, had not indicated views he had received from Foreign Office, preferred to wait few days before talking with Tsiang, hoping to take into account any views Cadogan gets and Department’s comments on Tsiang’s objectives. He promised to keep me informed and hoped I would do same.