893.01/4–2949: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 30—1:49 a. m.]
900. I venture to make suggestion re question of giving recognition to prospective new government of China, Its leaders are now in arrogant mood and already implying they will only recognize other [Page 13] countries on certain terms dictated by themselves. Worthwhile to anticipate this issue by informing them when time seems suitable that it is they who are on trial rather than other nations with well established tradition and accepted international standards. My proposal centers around two points:
- (1)
- As many nations as possible should agree to joint action. This solidarity will be disconcerting to CCP leaders. Not only are they steeped in Marxist dogma of inevitable conflict among capitalist governments, but this is reinforced by classical Chinese dictum of playing off one barbarian horde against another. Members of North Atlantic Pact21 and others in (British) Commonwealth, Latin American countries and those around Eastern Mediterranean, might be among those included. China would then find herself ranged with Soviet Union and satellites in world opinion. However blatant Communist propaganda may be in this allegiance, it will not be popular among other Chinese. Nor will it be lost upon them that America still has many friends despite incessant Sovietized abuse.
- (2)
- United Nations might possibly be asked to scrutinize with same care as new applicants, those members states whose governments undergo radical change as result military force, for purpose assuring its intention to maintain basic freedoms and human rights. Despite employment of clichés about liberation, new democracy, truly people’s government, etc., interpretation of these terms by United Nations as applied to CCP general practice and openly acknowledged doctrines might be effectively publicized on this world forum. Facts can be supplied by our Embassy and elsewhere to prove that thus far CCP is following totalitarian pattern. To have this demonstrated by those who are not intimidated by their terroristic devices nor gullible when listening to their assertions will be formidable weapon for use Asia. It can easily be shown that—while giving commendation to their genuine social reforms—CCP political outlook is in judgment of freedom loving, forward looking nations not New Democracy but last form of Fascist tyranny.
Most important feature to insist upon among human rights—and the one to which CCP would be least willing to assent—might well be freedom of press and of publication. Guarantees would have to be carefully implemented. When CCP will attempt to arouse nationalistic resentment for interference in China’s internal affairs it can be urged that no nation can any longer live unto itself, least of all one that is openly advocating world-revolt plan and forcing peaceful nations to unite in self-protection. In short CCP members need to [Page 14] be educated, they and their fellow-countrymen as well as other Asiatics. CCP leaders, while extremely intelligent, probably see world—especially US—largely through a murky haze of own self-indoctrination.
Sent Department, repeated OffEmb22 Canton 332.