893.00/2–1449: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Canton (Ludden)
75. TelCan 25 [for Clark], Reasoning urtel 43 Feb 14 correct and emergence Chi elements willing and having capability effectively resist communism in China would be in US interest. You will realize US has given both encouragement and material aid to Chi Govt in hope it would be able effectively maintain itself and provide barrier spread communism in China. Moreover no other group or combination groups known to exist which give indication attainment any greater degree success in resisting communism. Present state affairs [Page 142] has come about in spite such encouragement and aid. It is difficult see how at this stage any action on part US Govt can in itself produce Chi leadership and spirit necessary meet Comm menace. Chi leadership and spirit must have roots in China if they are to become reality and be effective. US interest in China amply clear in extension aid but to state publicly US will continue support any groups China who willing resist communism would be unrealistic, particularly if such resistance groups opposing communism so bankrupt their actions must await public statement US intentions. Furthermore in view known unreliability Chi press any statement allowed to leak to press would inevitably be distorted to serve interests those jockeying for pol[itical] position.