893.01/12–2049: Telegram
The Ambassador in Thailand (Stanton) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 20—12:55 p. m.]
1074. 1. Most strongly urge United States delay recognition Chinese Communist Government, making recognition contingent upon receipt definite undertakings from Communists fully protect American rights, interests in China, observe existing treaty obligations between the two countries and uphold principles international law, including those set forth in UN Charter84 (Depcirctel December 16, 3 a. m.).
2. Foregoing recommendation based on following reasons:
- (a)
- Open and reiterated hostility manifested by Communist leaders and propaganda machine against US.
- (b)
- Callous mistreatment and calculated humiliation US officials in China.
- (c)
- Denouncement recently concluded Sino-American commercial treaty by Communist spokesman as “traitorous” agreement.
- (d)
- Statements of Communist leaders and spokesmen showing carefully planned aggression against Tibet and encouragement and [Page 232] support Communist subversive groups in countries of South and East Asia. These statements together with recent notification by Chou En-lai regarding pursuit, extermination Nationalist troops fleeing into neighboring countries indicate Communist plans for engulfment countries South and East Asia and perhaps India, fully developed. Communist troops have now reached borders Indochina and upon complete occupation Yunnan will be threatening Northern Burma and Thailand.
- (e)
- On basis statements Mao, other Communist leaders, and Mao’s present visit Stalin, clear that influence Soviet Government upon Chinese Communist government dominating, exclusive.
3. Recognition by US without even attempting obtain any safeguards will inevitably have following repercussions upon Thailand, other countries having large or influential Chinese minorities:
- (a)
- These countries will be forced also recognize and establish diplomatic relations with Chinese Communist Government. This act will be followed by influx large Chinese Communist diplomatic, consular staffs who can confidently be expected make concentrated effort weld Chinese minorities in these countries into potent pro-Communist weapon which can and will be turned against governments in power. This internal pressure likely coordinated with massing Chinese Communist troops along borders Burma, Thailand, Indochina and threatening invasion. Estimated in case Thailand, 6 months after arrival Communist representatives, this country will be under Communist control.
- (b)
- Thailand Government and people, and peoples of many other countries South East Asia will feel useless attempt resist Communism and therefore desirable come to terms rapidly as possible.
- (c)
- In above contingency our counter-Communist propaganda would be meaningless to them and be largely a waste of time, effort and money. For the same reason other forms of aid would be almost valueless as attempt swing people away from Communism.
4. In view aforementioned grim realities and rapidity and gravity of developments, I very strongly urge US Government forthwith and without waiting for Bangkok Conference, issue official statement on subject recognition.
- (a)
- Declaration to refer open hostility Chinese Communist government to US, mistreatment US officials, failure give assurances re protection American lives and property and observance of treaty, international obligations and aggressive plans Communist government against other countries Asia. Believe declaration should state in view foregoing, US unable recognize Chinese Communist government unless and until positive undertakings given observe treaty and international obligations.
- (b)
- Second part of declaration, after referring aggressive plans enunciated by Communist leaders, should express our strong opposition to any attempt invade other Asian countries or create trouble there and in a further statement of our intention invoke provisions UN Charter against aggressive actions endangering peace.
- (c)
- There should also be included statement indicating our determination give technical and other aid those countries who desire it and who are striving maintain, or still seeking their freedom and independence. This statement must of course be implemented by immediate extension of aid through MAP,85 technical assistance and any other feasible means.
- (d)
- I believe a third paragraph should include reference to Formosa and reiteration our commitment return Formosa to China but only when there shall have been established in China a government freely elected by the people.
I believe prior to issuance of foregoing statement that every effort should be made evacuate all American officials and personnel from China in order reduce number Americans who might be held as hostages by Communists and thus avoid grave risks which we run of Communists mistreating Americans and perhaps provoking American people to point where we would be swept into war against Communist China and probably Soviet Russia.
5. In conclusion may I reiterate my conviction that the gravity of the situation and rapid march events, calls for definition with least possible delay of our policy in Far East and South and East Asia. Although it is almost too late to take any effective measures stem Communism, I still believe fairly clear-cut statement by US Government would have heartening and reassuring effect upon free and independent countries this part of world and might at least delay Communist plans engulf rest of Asia. To say and do nothing would permit Communist expansion by default while to extend recognition along with UK and some other countries, would greatly facilitate and expedite the loss of Asia to Communists.
Senior members Embassy staff are in general agreement with foregoing.