893.01/5–1949: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom ( Douglas ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:19 p. m.]
1972. Depcirtel May 6, 5 p. m. re recognition of possible Chinese Communist Government.
- 1.
- Foreign Office has today handed to Embassy officer following aide-mémoire on subject:
“Note has been taken of the US Embassy’s aide-mèmoire of the 11 May.50
[Page 26]A study of the legal issues involved in the recognition or non-recognition of a Communist government of China was forwarded to Washington in mid-March for communication to the Department of State.51 The considerations then put forward hold good at the present time.
On the practical problem the Foreign Office fully agree that the question of formally recognizing the Communists will only arise after the formation of a government claiming to be of national character. It is at present impossible to foresee when this will be, but in the meantime there would seem to be every advantage in maintaining, as State Department suggests, a reserved attitude towards the new regime and in preserving a common front among the Western and Atlantic Powers.
With this end in view full and frequent consultation will be maintained with these powers so that an urgent decision can be reached in common as soon as the Communists show their hand.”
- 2.
- Dening52 yesterday informed Dickover53 that other Western and Atlantic Powers would be fully informed of UK position.