890.00B/2–1549: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
392. March of events in Asia confirms my conviction that Communists cannot be stopped in this vast semi-colonial area by military force or economic aid alone. The effective containment of Soviet expansion-through-Communism requires in Asia new approach with appropriate implementation not so much in terms of money or munitions but in convincingly dramatized ideas. Collapse of Chiang Kai-shek Government and victories of Chinese Communists1 has been due to moral as against material forces. Materially government was at outset far stronger and is still superior. As regards large numbers of non-partisan Chinese ranging from idealistic students to simple peasants, Communism represents dynamic socialized reform struggling to overthrow corrupt reactionary bureaucracy. US has been in their minds identified with latter.
I suggest, therefore, new approach; approach primarily to mind and heart. UK, France, Netherlands should be invited to unite with US in federation to assist restoration complete independence to peoples of eastern and southeastern Asia; to protect them in process from more subtle form of imperialism through high [highly] organized minorities of their own people linked to international Communism.
India, Philippines and other countries in area might be included. Concerning Indonesia and Indochina it might be argued they will also sooner or later be engulfed and that it is to interest of democratic solidarity as well as of Netherlands and France that they be liberated graciously rather than grudgingly and as total loss. UK might make unequivocal declarations as to Hong Kong and Malaya when certain specified conditions will permit, until which time a protectorate is to be maintained. Portugal might be asked make similar declaration re Macao.
Any such proposals should of course be treated with strictest secrecy until other governments have given their response. If this proves favorable there should be fullest and most alluring publicity. Technological education in realization of noble vision shown in President’s inaugural address, together with economic and military aid wisely planned, would supplement political action. But lesson of China, as I interpret it, is that inspiring, high-principled, generously conceived, forward-looking policies will be infinitely more effective in Asia now and cost far less than any of the traditional methods. As to China itself reaction would undoubtedly be favorable to US. It might put Communists [Page 1118] sufficiently on defense to modify their methods. It might help to arouse revolt against them under new leadership and with popular support. It might lead to form of temporary protectorate over certain provinces or areas similar to pattern elsewhere. Communists are still long way from conquering all China and such program would in any case make their aim much less easy if [of] attainment.
- Generalissimo Chiang retired as President of the Republic of China on January 21 in favor of Vice President Li Tsung-jen. For documentation on the subject, see volume viii.↩