396.1 PA/12–1553: Telegram
No. 315
The Acting
Secretary of State to the United States Delegation at the Tripartite Working
Group, at Paris1
Tomac 3. Department suggests you make following presentation our position in regard anticipated Soviet demand for inclusion of Chinese Communists in so-called “Five Power” conference. This represents expansion and amendment preliminary memorandum from McConaughy to Thurston of December 11:2
Our rejection anticipated Soviet proposal for “Five Power” Conference including Communist China should be based in first instance on its lack of logic in European context. Any initial meeting of Chiefs of State or Foreign Ministers of US, UK, France and Soviet Union should be primarily concerned with settlement German and Austrian problems. There is no reason have any Far Eastern country represented such a meeting. Although US maintains cordial relations with National Government of Republic of [Page 726] China, it would not occur to this Government to suggest that that Government, the Government of Japan, or any other Far Eastern Government be included in a European conference of the nature contemplated.
If it should prove necessary discuss question representation of Chinese Communist regime at separate conference on Asian matters proposed for later date, or as latter stage of Berlin Conference after German and Austrian questions have been dealt with, our objection to such representation should be stated in following terms: US Government considers Chinese Communist regime to be convicted aggressor. It has never been either representative of bona fide national interest and will Chinese people, or responsive its international obligations. By its deliberate and flagrant maltreatment foreign nationals and interests within its borders it has placed itself outside bounds of responsible international community and confirmed its outlaw status.
Chinese Communist aggression in Korea has not been terminated, nor has regime ceased its extensive support of Viet Minh insurrection against established and duly recognized Government Vietnam. At preliminary negotiations Panmunjom Chinese Communists have not even been willing make possible projected Political Conference on Korea to bring about end Communist aggression against Korea and peaceful unification that war-torn land. It is useless talk about another Asian conference with Communist participation when Chinese Communists with Soviet support make use every conceivable device prevent holding of Political Conference on Korea on rational basis.
Note: Foregoing is statement our position in terms considered suitable for presentation to Soviet Government or for publication. It is predicated on assumption that French and British will adopt an equally firm position, although reasoning of the British will be somewhat different since they recognize Chinese Communist regime. It is essential that three Western powers present united front this issue. If British or French should indicate disposition temporize on question, you should seek further instructions.