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

123 Ward, Angus I.: Telegram

The Consul General at Peiping (Clubb) to the Secretary of State

Peiping, November 4, 1949—noon.
[Received November 4—3:28 a. m.]

1909. ReContel 1899, November 2. Sent letter Chou En-lai last night. Text by next telegram Peiping number series.⁴⁰ Recommend text not be released immediately but suggest Department might now release text letter October 8.⁴¹ Say new communication on subject was sent Chou under date November 3.

ReContel 1759, October 17. Suggest further, time has now come exercise real pressure, if available. Would recommend Department consider desirability of SCAP’s⁴² temporarily holding up, if feasible, all commercial negotiations and permits regarding trade between China and Japan without explanation or publicity (which would alike commit USA to certain policy and make matter public issue on which USA and Communists would be forced take official stands), pending release Ward and others from police custody and departure personnel from Mukden. Believe Communists would quickly get point without need of explanation, but absence American policy statement would make it possible for USA readily reverse or adjust tactics if found inefficacious.

Clubb

40. Infra.
41. See telegram No. 1707, October 10, 3 p. m., from the Consul General at Peiping, vol. ix, p. 117.
42. Supreme Commander, Allied Powers in Japan (MacArthur).