893.00B/12–2149: Telegram
The Consul at Tientsin (Wellborn) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 28—5:49 a. m.]
1070. Sent Department as 1070, Department pass to Peiping as 338 and Shanghai as 458. Although indications here are Communists continuing consolidate their control over all phases people’s activities local Chinese in no way recently have shown no [any?] desire play USSR game. (1) Flow of flour to USSR (ourtel 972–A, November 2533) resulted much bitter comment; (2) University students have lost some enthusiasm for Communists and we informed teachers of newly inaugurated courses in Communist dialectics and materialism posed embarrassing questions by students re Soviet aims and activities Chinese; (3) Large portrait Stalin paired off with portrait Mao Tze-tung at entrance Tientsin industrial exhibit (opened November 4) removed after 2 days because of quips by public re inappropriateness giving “foreigner” such prominence; (4) No. prominent Chinese canvassed re joining Sino-Soviet friendship society resentful implied element coercion.
Chinese traditionally consider themselves apart from government and that they must protect personal interests against encroachments government. Non-Communist Chinese continue refer to Communists as “they”; conversely Communist propaganda aims at identifying people with government. We should continue seize every opportunity particularly through VOA34 drive wedge between Chinese people and Communist authorities and emphasize incompatibility interests Chinese and Soviets. Suggest stressing forced loan aspects of victory bonds. Current effort Communist press play up projected celebrations Stalin’s birthday also presents opportunity point up Soviet encroachments.