893.01/12–1649: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas)
4592. Pls transmit fol personal msg from Secy to Mr. Bevin:
“I am grateful for the frank expression of your views on the question of according recognition to the Chi Commie regime as contained in ur msg to me which was transmitted by the Brit Emb on December 16, 1949. Of course, I am sorry that ur Govt has decided to recognize the Chi Commies, as I, too, had hoped that we might follow a common course of action in this matter.
“I have little to add in the nature of comment to the views which I previously expressed to you in Washington and Paris and more recently to Sir Oliver Franks. It may be that when ur Govt recognizes the Chi Commies, we may feel it desirable to make a statement stating the reasons why we for our part think it unwise to do so. But that is not decided.
“I hope that although we are adopting different courses in this instance our two Govts can follow a common course in all other important matters of mutual concern in the Far East. This will be important if we are to stimulate the free peoples of that area into adopting effective measures of resistance to the spread of Communism.
“Apart from the pros and cons of the general situation, I have been impressed with the representations which we understand the [Page 242] French have just made to you regarding the effect of recognition of the Chinese Communists upon the problem of Vietnam and also by the fact that they have set themselves a timetable for Assembly ratification of the Mar 8 Agreements. I know that you attach great importance, as I do, to the situation in Indochina and in view of the proposed French course of action, I know that you will understand why I bring this aspect of the matter once more to your attention in relation to the timing of your proposed action.”