123 Stuart, J. Leighton: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7:02 p. m.]
1546. I am daily strengthened in my conviction that visit to Canton at this time is undesirable from every aspect known to me and should be avoided. All reports that I have from Peiping and indications from local Commie authorities confirm that Mao and Chou have lost face, are chagrined at my rejection of their “invitation” to visit Peiping and consider it clear indication of American policy. While I do not deny that this may be salutary, it is certain that visit to Canton and meeting with Generalissimo (which could not be avoided) promptly following my refusal to travel to Peiping would appear to Commies studied insult to which they might be expected to react vigorously. Whatever influence I have with Commie leaders is on purely personal basis. My flying to Canton to see their arch enemy would certainly never be forgiven me and any future usefulness I might have had in Commie China entirely vitiated. Once it is known here that I have gone to Canton rather than directly to Washington difficulties which Americans are now facing in Shanghai, Hankow may be expected to increase and extend to Nanking and cities in north. I do not preclude retaliatory measures against Embassy and other official establishments in Commie China.
My trip to Canton at this time would inevitably add to Generalissimo’s triumph and prestige (see Cantel 741, July 15 to Dept.19) at time when that of acting President Li is definitely on wane. While I concur in Dept’s decision that I not travel to Peiping with hat in hand to call on Chairman Mao, by same token I feel it unwise to change my course and pay visit to Chairman Chiang.20 I trust Dept will appreciate my anxiety over issues involved and will want to have benefit these further views before replying Embtel 1531, July 15, repeated Canton 641.
Sent Department 1546, repeated AmEmb Canton for Clark as 647.