893.00B/5–1449: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 14—7:54 a. m.]
1021. Subordinate of Huang Hua and former Yenching student called on me yesterday on personal basis. Conversation soon turned to political problems and we discussed such varied subjects as position our Consulates in Communist-occupied China and Amethyst incident. (Conversation regarding latter revealed basic misconception at least locally and as result thereof British Ambassador is presenting to Communists new and detailed account of entire tragic affair.) Following our conversation my young friend reported promptly to Huang Hua who later asked for appointment with me. (See mytel 994 to Department May 11, repeated Canton 395, Shanghai 552.) I now suspect principal reason for call was to ascertain if I would be receptive to visit from Huang.
Huang called my residence last evening remaining almost 2 hours. Our conversation was friendly and informal. I refrained from political remarks until he opened way which he did after few personal exchanges. I then spoke earnestly of great desire that peoples of all countries had for peace, including, emphatically, my own, of dangerous situation developing despite this universal popular will; of indescribable horrors of next war; of my conviction that much, but not all, present tension due to misunderstandings, fears, suspicions which [Page 746] could be cleared away by mutual frankness; of fears Americans and other non-Communists had of Marxist-Leninist doctrine, subscribed to by CCP, that world revolution and overthrow of capitalistic governments necessary, thus proclaiming subversive interference or armed invasion as fixed policy. Huang spoke of Chinese people’s resentment at American aid to Kmt and other “mistakes” of US policy to which I briefly replied.
Huang asked about my plans and I told him of my instructions,40 adding that I was glad to stay long enough for symbolic purpose of demonstrating American people’s interest in welfare of Chinese people as whole; that I wished to maintain friendly relations of past; that being near end of my active life I hoped to be able somewhat to help restore these relations as I knew my Government and people desired; that my aim was unity, peace, truly democratic government and international good will for which Huang knew I had worked all my life in China.
Huang expressed much interest in recognition of Communist China by USA on terms of equality and mutual benefit. I replied that such terms together with accepted international practice with respect to treaties would be only proper basis. He was greatly surprised at my explanation of status of armed forces in China particularly Marines in Shanghai. Our side of story, that is desire to protect American lives during civil disturbances and chaotic conditions brought on by war, appeared never to have occurred to him. He was obviously impressed. I explained question of national government was internal; that Communists themselves at present had none; that it was customary to recognize whatever government clearly had support of people of country and was able and willing to perform its international obligations; that therefore USA and other countries could do nothing but await developments in China. I hinted that most other nations would tend to follow our lead. I explained functions of foreign consulates in maintaining informal relations with de facto regional authorities.
Huang expounded upon needs of China for commercial and other relations with foreign countries. He said instructions had been issued to all military units to protect safety and interests of foreigners. Intrusion into my bedroom was discussed and he promised to do his best in constantly shifting military situation to trace offenders. He explained that first Communist troops in city had not been prepared or properly instructed on treatment of foreigners.
I inquired about our mutual acquaintances among CCP. Their plans for PCC41 and formation of coalition government seem still rather inchoate; I received impression Communists are confused by [Page 747] being ahead of schedule and particularly worried about responsibilities, administrative implications of Shanghai take-over.
Repeated Canton 413, Shanghai 571.