893.01/6–849: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in Australia (Foster)
82. Following in response ur 111 Jun 1 and 114 Jun 8 for conveying in ur discretion Burton and McIntyre.
Discussions and exchanges views re question possible recognition Chi Commie regime continuing informal basis. Views other countries so far recd indicate gen agreement desirability avoiding eagerness or haste in matter recognition and desirability countries having similar interests act along common lines. This reflects fact that Chi Commies have not as yet established govt purporting be central govt for Chi and gen view that if such govt is established, recognition may be valuable lever for obtaining new govt’s acceptance China’s internatl responsibilities. It is realized that mere acceptance internatl responsibilities does not guarantee fulfilment but if acceptance not obtained [Page 42] prior recognition even this would probably be impossible obtain subsequently. Value of lever depends to considerable degree common approach to matter by countries having similar interests.
In our view extent Chi Commie coop[eration] with West will be determined by their need for such coop and not by promptness in extending recognition to them. We believe that on contrary overeagerness extend recognition likely encourage Chi Commies high-handed disregard fon interests which recognition wld seek protect.
In discussing this matter you may wish to have in mind statement of Austral Amb at Nanking reported Nanking’s 118 [1118] to Dept May 26, rptd Canberra 1.
For ur further info, representative Austral Emb Washington orally outlined to Dept views his Govt substantially as reported ur 111 and was informed Dept’s views along lines given above.