893.00/1–2449: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cabot) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 24—7:08 a. m.]
238. Mayor K. C. Wu called on me yesterday at his request with obvious purpose of sounding me out as to what American aid policy [Page 79] would be in the event that peace negotiations broke down because Communists insist on too harsh conditions. He repeated many arguments in favor of continued aid to Nationalists under those circumstances.
I replied in effect that I did not know and could not in any case answer such hypothetical question. I said that in my opinion our policy would depend in considerable part upon effectiveness of Government continuing resistance and degree of popular support it enjoyed among Chinese people.
Query may conceivably have some significance in reflecting Generalissimo’s future plans in view of Wu’s close friendship with him.
Sent Department, repeated Nanking 181.