893.00/6–2749: Telegram
The Consul General at Peiping (Clubb) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 27—7:38 a. m.]
1080. ReContel 1073, June 24. Suggest re denouement following alternative explanations (listed in order believed of worth):
- 1.
- Move was designed serve political purpose of causing USA view Communist leaders more sympathetically, and perhaps letting sympathy affect US attitude re trade or direct aid, but did not constitute sincere expression Communist policy views. Barrett thinks this unlikely in view Chou’s character; I consider it most logical explanation on Chou’s Communist practices (Contel 928, June 2), but concede motives could well have been as indicated next point.
- 2.
- Communist leadership or Chou group was willing send message for record, perhaps even willing receive reply by channel which could readily be disavowed or discredited, but unwilling have contact now which would commit them more officially and definitely. Aim: To achieve increased mobility vis-à-vis USSR (that is, it would have been budding Titoism). See Contel 1058, June 22.
- 3.
- Chou group sent out first message in temporary panic, now would disavow move. This unlikely. (Note here, however, that any suspicion in Chou group of leak would increase their wariness and aloofness, assuming them to be acting independently. Intermediary reported several days after first message that Chou’s secretary meeting him on street had “looked through” him instead of giving nod recognition as usual.)
- 4.
- Move was soberly considered in first instance but reconsidered in light later developments. Note convocation PCC Preparatory Committee meeting, renewal anti-imperialist blasts from Mao Tse-tung, proposals re Japanese peace treaty (Contel 1071, June 2342) and agitation re Formosa, might all reflect policy decisions which might have borne significance for Chou démarche. Decisions might have incorporated Soviet as well as Communist views, might have been accompanied by new Sino-Soviet agreement or understanding.
Believe offer of reply has served purpose of (1) testing willingness Chou’s group continue with matter and (2) exploring field. Believe it would be undesirable try send message indirectly through present or other channels, for if Communists unprepared accept even direct contact, any such transmittal orally would satisfy no important [Page 399] American purpose and might give Communists possibility making capital propaganda use of material obtained in such uncertain way. Would propose therefore matter be dropped at present point. Sent Department, repeated Nanking 753, OffEmb Canton 189.
- Not printed.↩