Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, China, Volume II

100. Telegram From the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Bohlen) to the Department of State¹

Moscow, February 10, 1955—1 a.m.

1279. Reference Embassy telegrams 1241² and 1261.³ British Ambassador saw Molotov this afternoon at 2 o’clock to deliver message from British Government point out [sic]:

(1) Impossibility of holding conference without representation of “Chinese Nationalist authorities on Formosa”, and

(2) That any conference on subject which might develop should be under aegis of UN. Ambassador expressed hope of British Government that incidents in area could be avoided while method of dealing with problem could be worked out.

Molotov made no comments on points 1 and 2 but stated twice during conversation that US activities and actions would be only cause of incidents and repeated Soviet belief that issue with Chiang Kai-shek was internal Chinese affair. Molotov referred to some publicity in London and said he gathered from that Eden was no longer interested in secrecy, adding that Soviet Government would have to consider question of publication. He also asked Ambassador whether British Government was aware of Nehru’s suggestion but did not elaborate when Hayter said he personally was not informed.

On publicity question, Hayter told Molotov that leak had come from New Delhi and not as Molotov implied from either British, Dominion, or US Government.

Bohlen

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 793.00/2–1055. Top Secret; Priority. Received at 9:13 p.m. on February 9. Repeated to London for information.
2. See footnote 2, Document 86.
3. Telegram 1261 from Moscow, February 8, reported that Ambassador Hayter had informed Molotov that his proposal was under consideration. (Department of State, Central Files, 793.00/2–855)