893.01/12–349: Telegram
The Consul General at Peiping (Clubb) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 5—4:06 p. m.]
2194. Met December 1 with Chang Tung-sun who reported he had seen Chou En-lai at conference November 30 (mytel 2110, November 29 [28]). Chou acknowledged receipt letter but “didn’t mention” Mukden matter. Chang still in nonreceipt reply to letter. Chang evinced interest in Mukden matter, opined settlement would be improvement. He said, however, saw little chance for general improvement Sino-American relations due political orientations. Reply question, however, he said Soviets not “controlling” all China; they were concentrating on Manchuria. He expressed belief Soviets were preparing for war; in which event, he opined, Soviets would move much of their industry Manchuria. (This seems farfetched hypothesis, probably reflects Chinese hope get something out of developments.) Chang admitted Soviets take strong attitude Manchuria, but less strong stand in China Proper. He said Chinese leaders experiencing much “bitterness” regarding matter but are without recourse: they lack force with which oppose. Lin Piao and others in south unaware course events and in any event few Chinese troops remain Manchuria. Said China, by itself, would be unable solve problem Manchuria; that problem could be solved only by (1) settlement American–USSR differences or (2) war between USA and USSR with former winning. He admitted China, in present political circumstances, unable call in outside support against USSR.
Looks like Chinese Communists beginning discover what imperialism is really like.
Sent Department 2194; Department pass Shanghai 1267.