893.00/7–1149: Telegram
The Consul General at Peiping (Clubb) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 11—6:41 a. m.]
1153. ReEmbtel 1410, June 30. On basis experience to date this office with Commie regime, respectfully offer following comments [on] reported trip Ambassador [to] Peiping:
- 1.
- Commies undoubtedly desirous increasing their prestige in every possible manner and would desire if there be any contact between Commie and American side that it be so as to enhance their prestige (Contel 869, May 2089).
- 2.
- Experience re Chou note (Contel 1080, June 2790), however, would indicate Commies presently in fact chary of such contact, this deduction fitting in with what seems to be official Commie position that they will have contacts only if official recognition has come from abroad.
- 3.
- In circumstances, therefore, would recommend most earnestly that Ambassador proceed Peiping with plan and appearance to meet with Mao Tse-tung and Chou En-lai only if and when there might be categorical assurance from Commie side that meeting arranged. Invite attention to serious loss to American prestige which would follow upon Mao-Chou refusal see Ambassador if he made trip Peiping with apparent intent meeting with them.
Note this connection was told July 8 … it was currently rumored in town Ambassador was proceeding Peiping after trip USA for purpose according recognition Commie regime.
[Page 780]Note further, for what it is worth, in this connection Keon91 reports to Barrett92 on basis information given him, Keon, by Chinese Commie girl with whom he intimate, that Commies charge he bungled matter Chou note by failing (1) make clear no specific reply expected and (2) keep Chou En-lai’s name out of matter, Chou being un-desirous of being brought into it personally. Keon, however, confirmed that (1) Barrett’s notes of Keon’s report were faithful record of meeting as experienced by Keon and (2) Chou had said without hesitation Barrett would know from whom message came. Commie said moreover, per same source, is now disturbed by what they view “Ambassador’s efforts contact Chou through other sources” for presumed purpose endeavoring still deliver American reply. Keon expressed opinion Chou himself is “on the spot” as result denouement.
Believe that experiences Mukden, Peiping, Nanking and now Shanghai are clear proof present hostility Commie leaders toward USA. I have limited self to comment on only one aspect matter in point, but would express firm conviction that it is most undesirable make moves in Commie direction which could be interpreted as signs American weakness.
Repeated Nanking 823, OffEmb Canton 210, Shanghai 777.