761.93/12–1849: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
Moscow, December
18, 1949—2 p. m.
[Received December 18—11:24 a. m.]
[Received December 18—11:24 a. m.]
3135. In connection arrival Mao Tze-tung Moscow 16th, following are Embassy comments:
- 1.
- Primary purpose probably signing by Mao and Stalin of friendship, commercial, and possibly mutual assistance (military) pacts. Presumably 1945 treaty28 to be replaced by another cementing China to USSR along lines conventional satellite treaties, but with Japan as principal possible aggressive menace.
- 2.
- Arrival Mao in time participate Stalin birthday celebrations is nicely timed. Russians gratified to see Stalin accorded this respect by the outstandingly successful non-Russian Communist of the day. In effect, Mao personally reporting to “throne” acquisition of vast new territories and hundred[s] of millions people for Stalin empire. Stupendous birthday gift for Stalin. From Chinese Communist viewpoint, significance of Stalin and USSR in Communist world can be demonstrated by Mao’s trip, perhaps helping Chinese Communists to put across to Chinese people reason for fanfare on occasion Stalin’s birthday. As Chinese by “old custom” recognize decade birthdays in advanced age as occasion for special celebration, Mao’s visit readily understandable such mentalities.
- 3.
- Visit will focus attention Communist world on tremendous significance attached to China victory.
- 4.
- It is possible that Mao is the first of several satellite chiefs of state to arrive at Moscow for the birthday celebrations. There has as [Page 638] yet been no indication that others will be present. If there should be such a gathering, Mao’s visit would furnish Stalin with an opportunity to introduce Mao to the family.
- 5.
- Stalin thus afforded opportunity exert his personal magnetism on Mao under impressive conditions attendant these birthday celebrations. Moscow being decorated and Stalin will be recipient of most profuse declarations of affection, remarkable and extravagant presents (often bizarre), and protestations of universal love as greatest living man. In establishing personal relationship with Mao, these proprieties can be expected to assist Stalin as practical evidence confirming his overwhelming stature in the Communist movement.
- 6.
- If Chinese popular resentment of Soviet influence and action in China is serious, as reported Shanghai’s 5250 and 5251, December 16, Stalin may be expected to do utmost to reassure Mao of righteousness Soviet motives and necessity Chinese Communists convince people correctness accepting Kremlin leadership.
- 7.
- Barely possible Mao may discuss Chinese situation very frankly with Stalin and recommend less obtrusive Soviet influence China Proper at present in interest long-term goals. Danger of such candor obvious, but Mao feels forced by circumstances to discuss matter if anti-Soviet feeling in China reaching proportions serious enough to compromise success of new government.
- 8.
- Mao’s visit, of course, provides material for pointing up CCP subservience USSR and other obvious angles.
- 9.
- Although there are rumors that Chu Teh29 also is here, Embassy unable presently to confirm. In view his stature in CCP movement, next only to Mao, if Chu is here it is difficult to explain absence of publicity.
- 10.
- Chen Po-ta only member Mao’s party mentioned by name in press. More names may be published on occasion official reception which might be given Mao prior “great day”, otherwise on that day itself.
- 11.
- In brief announcement of reception by Stalin of Mao, no mention made of Chinese Ambassador being present. US correspondents here consider this means no other Chinese was present during meeting, and that only those persons named in press report, i.e., Molotov, Malenkov, Bulganin and Vyshinski, were on hand when Mao met Stalin Friday.
Sent Department; Department pass London 343, Paris 441, Shanghai 21, Peiping 23.
Kirk