Office of the Historian

893.00/5–1749: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister-Counselor of Embassy in China (Clark), at Canton42

Washington, May 26, 1949—8 p. m.

TelCan 243. Ur 396 May 17. Dept approves ur response Chu’s statement Li hopes US can make public statement indicating its support of him in preference other Chinese leaders.

With respect to US public statement in support Natl Govt, Dept concurs Emb view (Nanking tel 1100 May 24, rptd Emb Off Canton 458) that there is no statement US Govt could make this time which would be effective in changing course of military events or which could avoid embroiling us further in Chinese political confusion.

If Chu again approaches you in this regard, you shld inform him Dept has noted Li Tsung-jen’s reported statement to UP correspondent Canton May 26 in which inter alia he expressed desire for indication US realizes import events in Asia. In this connection, you shld point out Secy stated press conference May 1843 conclusion North Atlantic Treaty does not mean lessening US interest in security other areas, as he has taken pains make clear on several occasions, and, referring to serious dangers to world peace existing in situation in Asia, said dangers in mind are those which revolve around present disturbed conditions in China.

If text Li statement not available Canton, Dept will transmit.

Webb
  1. Repeated as Nos. 642 and 1068 to the Ambassador at Nanking and the Consul General at Shanghai, respectively.↩
  2. Department of State Bulletin, May 29, 1949, p. 696.↩