893.01/10–1449: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas)
3722. pls deliver fol msg from Secy to Bevin earliest opportunity:
“I was concerned by the text of msg from Brit Govt to Chi Commie auths Peiping, apparently in reply to Commie invitation for recog, copy of which furnished Dept on Oct 11 which was 6 days after delivery of msg in Peiping. The phraseology of the note, regardless of reception by Chi Commie auths, appears to imply de facto recog although the FonOff has assured us that such was not the intent. I feel confident that this step was not intended as a departure from the understanding previously reached between US and UK and confirmed in our own conversations in Washington and New York with respect to [Page 129] the importance of avoiding eagerness in approaching question recog, the necessity for close and continuous consultation, and the desirability of common course of action insofar as possible. Nevertheless, there is little question that any indication of independent action by one of Western Powers having similar interests in Far East wld be exploited to full by Chi Commies and wld inevitably have adverse effect on resolution and cooperation of independent Asiatic countries.
“In giving you my frank views on this circumstance, I wish to reiterate the hope that any future actions contemplated by UK re question recog be preceded by the full consultation envisaged in our earlier discussions and to assure you that US Govt fully intends to do likewise.”