701.0093/4–2749: Telegram
The Ambassador in China ( Stuart ) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 27—8:45 a. m.]
886. Re Deptel 518, April 25.8 Although too early express definitive judgment, as Military Control Commission not yet functioning, experience in attempting contact responsible Communist officials here parallels that Peiping and Tientsin, and indicates such direct personal contacts may be difficult if not impossible for some time to come. We agree initial approach by Chief of Mission or high ranking diplomatic official would leave mission open to rebuff. In fact Military Attaché has already experienced such rebuff in attempting to carry out instructions contained Deptel 516, April 25. We now trying through Peace Preservation Committee arrange appointment for Military Attaché with high ranking Communist military official but not sanguine favorable outcome. If this approach fails establish direct contact, we will use Committee as channel communication (though [Page 729] so far has proved to be one way only) until establishment control commission creates top Communist local organ with which to deal. At that time Chinese-speaking officer of second secretary rank will make initial approach.
Sent Dept. 886, repeated Embassy Canton 324, Shanghai 46.