Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, The Far East: China, Volume VIII

893.20/10–2349: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Chargé in China (Strong)³³

Washington, October 26, 1949—5 p. m.

TelCan 735. Urtel 1219 Oct 23. In reply Pres Li request communicated thru Chu Chang-wei you shld orally inform Li as follows:

At this critical stage situation China US Govt cannot assume responsibility inviting Pres Li leave China for visit to US. Such invitation wld be misinterpreted, either as indication Pres Li fleeing China or as sign US had made firm decision extend large scale mil assistance Nat Govt. Question of use $75 million authorized by Congress for expenditure in general area of China now under careful consideration and Pres Li’s presence here wld have no bearing on decision re use these funds. Same considerations apply to Pres Li’s visit to US even tho not at invitation of US Govt. In any event, as Pres Li is aware, total funds available for assistance in general area of China limited to $75 million.

Acheson

33. Notation by the Secretary of State: “Approved by the President. D. A.”