026 China/9–349: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 3—3:16 p. m.]
2221. Depcirtel August 1, noon. Only available Soviet reaction so far to White Paper on China has been Pravda article August 11 reported Embtel 2013, August 11 and Embdes 472, August 15.76 To date Soviet comments refer only to Secretary of State’s letter of transmission although White Paper is described as “1054 pages of absolute ignominy”.
Embassy sees little advantage to US in publicizing White Paper in USSR through VOA. On the other hand, careful study of White Paper probably would reveal isolated items which might be plugged strongly by VOA when opportunities offer. For instance, reports of interviews between Stalin, Molotov, Hurley and Hopkins77 show marked contrast between what Soviets said in 1945 and their present attitude regarding China. Such material available inter alia on pages 94–96, 113–126. For instance, Stalin describes Chiang as “only Chinese [Page 1407] leader qualified undertake unification of China” (page 115). Chiang also was called by Stalin “selfless” and “a patriot” (page 95).