893.01/8–1949: Circular telegram
The Secretary of State to Certain Diplomatic and Consular Officers 16
As you are aware, Dept as long ago as May approached friendly govts having diplo representation in China offering exchange info re [Page 62] developing situation and particularly pointed out that altho Chi Commie auths had not yet organized themselves into govt or invited recognition, it was Depts view that 1) when they did so friendly powers shd consult before taking individual action; 2) no purpose wld be served or benefit derived from hasty individual acts recognition.
Indications are following fall Canton Chi Commies will hold some form Polit Consultative Conference and perhaps invite recognition mid-Autumn.
Altho there are indications some countries, as Australia for example, may promptly accord recognition, this govt has no such intention. It is in these circumstances Dept wishes your confidential estimate as to effect on opinion in country and/or govt to which you are accredited if a) recognition is withheld by the principal Western Powers, i.e. US, UK, France; b) if recognition forthcoming by principal Western Powers within reasonable length time; c) if Eng or France join with other powers in according recognition and US shows firm disposition not to recognize.
It is quite possible that this matter will first manifest itself in UN and therefore possibilities set forth above shd also be appreciated in light of attitudes adopted by powers concerned in discussion in UN.
- Sent to Batavia, Bangkok, Hanoi, Manila, New Delhi, Rangoon, Saigon, and Singapore.↩