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

893.01/12–1749: Telegram

The Ambassador in France (Bruce) to the Secretary of State

Paris, December 17, 1949—2 p. m.
[Received December 17—9:31 a. m.]

5297. Re London’s 5002 to Department.⁷⁸ We were shown Bevin message to Schuman re China and Indochina which was delivered Foreign Office this noon. Presumably Embassy London or British Embassy Washington will furnish text which we understand differs from Bevin’s message to us. In brief: Message announces UK decision to recognize Chinese Communists, preferably on January 2, and expresses hope this will not embarrass French Government and Bao Dai, especially since UK considering de facto recognition latter after Colombo conference if certain conditions fulfilled. Bevin suggests Schuman send Bao Dai message explaining UK position.

[Here follows summary of British conditions for recognition of Bao Dai’s government.]

Sent Department 5297; repeated London 937; Department pass Saigon 168.

Bruce

78. Not printed; it reported the British Foreign Office indicated Mr. Bevin was informing M. Schuman that recognition of the Peiping regime was being retarded temporarily in hope the French would settle the Vietnam problem to permit prior recognition of Bao Dai (851G.01/12–1649).