Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, The Far East: China, Volume VIII

893.00/2–249: Telegram

The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Holmes) to the Secretary of State

London, February 2, 1949—1 p. m.
[Received 2:07 p. m.]

388. Depintel January 24, 4 a. m.²

1. British Foreign Office has received no information re alleged draft agreement³ and is of opinion it is just something formulated by Li Tsung-jen which Soviet Ambassador has agreed take Moscow.

2. Dening⁴ believes alleged agreement to be typical Chinese double-cross in that (a) hope perhaps exists that report of agreement will frighten US into intervention, after which agreement can be disclaimed, and (b) Li going behind backs of Chinese Communists, dickering with USSR and hoping Cominform will instruct Chinese Communists make peace with Li, thus saving something of Kmt regime.

3. Dening does not believe maneuver will succeed because Chinese Communists in dominant military position and USSR can, therefore, deal direct with them instead going through remnants Kmt Government.

Holmes

2. Not printed.
3. See telegram No. 197, January 23, 11 a. m., from the Ambassador in China, p. 77.
4. Maberly E. Dening, British Assistant Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Far East).