893.24/12–2149: Telegram
The Consul General at Peiping (Clubb) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 23—2:21 a. m.]
2332. Express opinion re Depintel December 15, 4 a. m.56 that support such Chinese leaders as Chiang Kai-shek, Tu Yueh-ming and Fu Tso-yi, to mention only three, has given enough experience, notably in events of past year, to show that support any self-reputed anti-Communist guerrilla forces would be unprofitable and politically dangerous. Nationalist guerrillas during Sino-Jap war regularly turned over to enemy. USA has given enough munitions to Nationalists to meet any guerrilla needs if they were desirous fighting, but note from reftel Nationalists themselves refuse provide money, arms and supplies in present instance. Fact of matter is there remains in field on mainland no force capable and willing put up good fight against Communists. It would be either naivete or desire for gain that would lead those reputed guerrilla leaders approach Americans, and any arms given would in all probability end up in Communist hands as has so much other American equipment.
Re enthusiasm these leaders profess re their ability “spark deterioration” Communist regime, would only note Chinese are always filled with enthusiasm for far-reaching projects and deep laid plans but events past year prove to any objective observer that Kmt program of opposition to Communists is flat failure. Economic deterioration Communist regime is [garble] by reason objective causes unrelated guerrilla efforts that deterioration will continue whether or not Americans give arms to guerrillas. Note that wartime experience of such supply of arms would inevitably be discovered and Chinese security leads inevitably to conclusion any favor to us would operate politically against rather than in favor of USA. It is essence of political wisdom at present time to maintain policy non-interference, than [that?] is, to continue “let Chinese stew in own juice” in conditions where they have nobody but themselves and USSR to blame for their predicament. Recommend most strongly that policy be followed.
Sent Department 2332. Department pass AmPolAd Tokyo.
- Not printed; it reported an Associated Press news item regarding possible aid to Chinese on Formosa (800.00 Summaries/12–1549).↩