893.00/4–1549: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 15—2:54 a. m.]
768. Acting President has sent another appeal to me for assistance. He asked if it would not be possible for US Government make some [Page 241] kind of statement deterring Communists from crossing Yangtze. What he has in mind is apparently statement by the President or Secretary to the effect that Communist crossing of Yangtze would be considered threat to security of US and that should such military operation be undertaken US would have to give consideration to appropriate measures to be taken. Statement in a press conference in reply to pertinent question might prove most suitable method or some interested Senator such as Connally9 might give his views on implications of Communists coming south of river.
I have every sympathy with Acting President in his efforts contain Communists north of Yangtze. His appeal is further evidence of desperate position of Nationalist Government vis-á-vis Communists and small confidence he places in peace negotiations Peiping. Any statement of sympathy from US at this time would encourage him enormously. I am not, however, able to support Li’s request unless US Government prepared to back up such statement by some kind effective assistance. Since Acting President’s request requires reply, I would be grateful for Department’s instructions.
Repeated American Embassy Canton 252, Shanghai 376.
- Senator Tom Connally, of Texas, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.↩