893.01/11–2849: Telegram
The Consul at Tientsin (Wellborn) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 30—3:45 a. m.]
975. Following for Department’s consideration re recognition Chinese Communists.
It occurs to us that if Department is contemplating recognition Chinese Communists in near future, consideration may be given sending delegation special negotiators discuss with Communists their aims and objectives toward US in general and American nationals, business, and other interests in China, in particular, and bargain for terms before granting even de facto recognition. Communists seem to have attached great importance to matter recognition and for US to grant it without making bargain (bargaining main essential way of getting things done with Chinese) would give Communists tremendous face and similarly loss of prestige for US with those Chinese who are not now and who may not in future be in accord with Communist policies and actions.
Further with reference ourtel 971 [972a?], November 25,46 we observe gathering antipathy here toward Soviets and Department may wish hold off discussions with Chinese Communists re de facto recognition until possible Sino-Soviet breach becomes more noticeable. De jure recognition may be withheld until there is definite evidence of break away from Soviet camp. Our Government’s granting de jure recognition at such time would strengthen stand those Chinese who still have and could be expected to retain respect for greatness of America and strength US Government.
- Not printed.↩