Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, The Far East: China, Volume IX

893.01/10–349

Memorandum of Conversation, by the Acting Deputy Director of the Office of Chinese Affairs (Freeman)

[ Washington ,] October 3, 1949.

Mr. Winckler⁶⁷ called this afternoon at his request with respect to the announcement from Peiping of the establishment of a central Chinese Communist “government”. In accordance with Consul General Clubb’s suggestion, I handed Mr. Winckler a copy of the text of the Communist announcement which was presented to the Consulate General in Peiping.⁶⁸

Mr. Winckler stated that the French Ambassador was concerned over indications that the British Government was desirous of recognizing the Chinese Communist regime in the near future. Winckler stated that from his conversations with Mr. Dening⁶⁹ he had received the impression that the British had a “burning desire” to recognize the Communists and that they would undoubtedly try to persuade the French and the U.S. to do likewise. He stated that the primary concern of the French was that a solid, united front of the western democracies be maintained in this matter and that the French, the British and the U.S. Governments should maintain the closest consultations to this end. He pointed out that the USSR was likely to claim that the western democracies, in withholding recognition from the Chinese Communists, were denying representation in the United Nations to the great majority of the Chinese people, and he indicated that a united front on the question of recognition was all the more essential.

I stated in reply that, in the opinion of the Department, the announcement of the establishment of the Chinese Communist “government” would not add any urgency to the question of recognition which had already been discussed between Mr. Bevin,⁷⁰ Mr. Schuman⁷¹ and Secretary Acheson. I assured Mr. Winckler, however, that we for our part would be most willing to continue our consultations on this matter with the French and would keep them currently advised of any new developments in our thinking.

67. Jean-Claude Winckler, Second Secretary of the French Embassy.
68. See telegram No. 1666, October 1, vol. viii, “Political and military situation in China,” chapter VII.
69. Maberly E. Dening, British Assistant Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Far East).
70. Ernest Bevin, British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
71. Robert Schuman, French Minister for Foreign Affairs.