701.0093/9–949: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in China (Jones) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 10—9:10 a. m.]
2044. One aspect of our “united front” policy toward Communist China is continued presence of chiefs of mission North Atlantic Powers in Communist territory as formation Central Government Peiping becomes imminent. While French and Netherlands Ambassadors are under instructions from their Governments to leave by first available transport (probably SS Marechal Joffre October 15 if permitted enter Shanghai), the other western European representatives are torn with indecision, awaiting move from British Ambassador. The latter has become key figure in plans for general exodus of chiefs of mission Nanking and he shows no inclination to leave.
Stevenson informed me this morning his instructions are that he should leave Nanking when formation of Communist government appears imminent. These, of course, give wide latitude, and lack of regular transport makes precision timing of departure impossible. I have impression that Stevenson has no intention of leaving China near future, rather that he intends to stay to await future developments here and that he will not be particularly embarrassed finding himself in Communist territory after formation of Central Government. This attitude is supported by recent conversation with Australian Ambassador who likewise felt formation Central Government Peiping before his departure China was more technical than practical political problem.
[Page 826]We have heard from authoritative British source that about 2 weeks ago British, Australian and Indian Ambassadors met and took decision not leave Communist China before formation Central Communist Government; that since that time their actions and future plans have been based on that decision. This is somewhat confirmed by attitude expressed by Indian Ambassador last week (see Embtel 1976 to Department;80 repeated Embassy Canton 812, September 1). Likewise Australian Ambassador has no definite plans for leaving China although he has expressed intentions of proceeding Shanghai at time formation Central Government Peiping as ostensibly en route out of country.
Representatives of small powers are bewildered and unhappy over what appears to them divergence policy between US and UK. While some may be persuaded by departure French Ambassador to leave, many will remain until British Ambassador’s plans clarify. If Department considers continued present [presence] friendly chiefs of mission Nanking after formation Communist Central Government, Peiping, has important political significance, it may wish to clarify British stand during visit Foreign Secretary [to] Washington. Their continued presence after formation Communist Central Government may be considered another step toward early recognition that regime. Certainly departure chiefs of mission Communist China after establishment new government will have much greater political significance than could be attached to such action during present period to [of?] local military control commissions.
Sent Department 2044; repeated Embassy Canton 825.
- September 1, vol. ix, p. 70.↩