893.01/6–2849: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 28—8:54 a. m.]
1395. While Embassy finds Deptel 717, June 20 (repeated Shanghai 1243, Telcan 356, Paris 2193) reporting conversation with Baeyens somewhat reassuring, attitude local French Mission one of determination recognize Communist regime earliest protect French interests Indochina. French Ambassador says he has no instructions from Paris leave China for consultation or for any other purpose. He envisages his role as one of remaining China to negotiate de jure recognition with Communist regime and completing all arrangements for new French Embassy to new Chinese Government before arrival his successor. French Counselor has opined his Embassy will be in Peiping (presumed new capital) by Christmas. When suggested negotiations, [on] recognition, once Communist Central Govt formed, would be long drawn out, he replied, “Perhaps for you (meaning USA) but not for us as we have no treaties with China which we care about. We are only interested in Indochina.”
Similar attitude is reflected by younger secretaries. We cannot escape impression that local French Embassy, perhaps reflecting Quai d’Orsay, sees its China policy only in terms French colonial possessions Southeast Asia and quite isolated from any world policy or general international obligations French to their western allies.
Repeated Shanghai 772, Canton 589, Paris 7.