893.00/3–2349: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Stuart)
390. Proposal contained urtel 635 Mar 23 inevitably recalls recent Chi Govt request for four-power mediation particularly with USSR taking lead.
You are authorized inform Acting Pres [that] US Govt while sympathetic his difficulties is of opinion matter one on which this Govt not in position offer advice; decision must be Chi responsibility.
If Li again brings up subject possible visit US you should say US Govt would naturally accord him every courtesy. At same time you should ensure that he understands that his visit would not result in any augmented US aid and therefore he would be assuming responsibility for any political consequences that might result from his returning to China without material results from his visit.
For your info sentiment in Congress this year even more than last year highlights difference between apparent strength advocacy large scale aid program China and actual support therefor. You will recall Administration’s proposal for $570 million last year was cut down by Congress to $400 million and today’s Executive Session Senate For[eig]n Relations Committ on ECA request for authority to use [Page 199] funds unexpended Apr 3 clearly indicates so far as that key body concerned no real enthusiasm even thus to act.
Dept concurs in general views expressed first sentence second para reference tel and doubts Li visit Moscow would have beneficial result.