Office of the Historian

178. Circular Telegram From the Secretary of State to Certain Diplomatic Missions1

Washington, May 17, 1956—8:02 p.m.

798. Department gravely concerned over Egyptian recognition2 Chinese Communists. Except for Nepal Egypt only country to recognize Communist China since Korean War began in 1950. Department fears this may prompt similar action other countries in area and elsewhere. U.S. national interest requires we make determined effort forestall such development. Therefore you should take appropriate opportunity impress government to which you accredited of U.S. serious concern this development particularly if you know or suspect government considering such step. You may wish use any or all of following in your presentation:

1.
Chinese Communists have been branded aggressors by UN, have maintained troops in Korea in defiance UN, have introduced large numbers jet aircraft into North Korea in violation Korean armistice agreement and have continued support of Viet Minh, resulting in doubling their forces since 1954 armistice.
2.
Chinese Communists have long record inhumane acts, have jailed scores foreign nationals and have refused honor specific Sept. 10, 1955 commitment release imprisoned Americans.
3.
United States policy is to assist free nations of Far East to preserve their independence in face of Chinese Communist military and subversive threat. U.S. believes all free world nations share common [Page 363] interest halting further Communist expansion and hopes free world nations will cooperate in upholding international position of Government Republic of China (GRC) and avoiding actions which add to prestige and influence of Chinese Communists.
4.
GRC ably represents China in UN and Security Council and has lived up to her international commitments. GRC supports free world objectives in Far East and helps prevent Communist bloc increase its influence.
5.
GRC recognized by 44 countries, has strongest support United States as only legitimate government of China. Change from recognition GRC to recognition Chinese Communists would have adverse effect U.S. official and private opinion.
6.
Support of GRC strengthens its usefulness to free world as political and ideological challenge to Communism. Militarily GRC maintains one of most significant concentrations anti-Communist military strength in Far East.

Dulles
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 793.02/5–1756. Confidential. Drafted in CA by Kahmann; approved by Clough; cleared by William C. Burdett, Deputy Director of the Office of Near Eastern Affairs; and by William M. Rountree, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern, South Asian, and African Affairs. Sent to Amman, Beirut, Damascus, Jidda, Baghdad, Khartoum, and Tripoli. Repeated for information to Paris and London.↩
  2. On May 16, the Government of Egypt announced that it intended to recognize the People’s Republic of China. (Telegram 2276 from Cairo, May 17; ibid.)↩