693.00/7–253: Telegram
No. 120
The Consul General at Hong Kong
(Harrington) to the Department
of State1
11. British Chargé Lamb when in Hong Kong en route to London told Consulate General he had been hopeful that representations made Peiping by various missions on behalf imprisoned foreign nationals might be successful, but this hope was shattered by wholesale arrests Catholic priests Shanghai just before his departure. He doubts that in most cases representations have any effect at all on Chinese authorities, who seem to release people when they are ready and not before. He thought inquiries by “progressive” foreign visitors more likely to move Chinese than notes from diplomatic representatives.
Lamb said British firms had made practically no progress toward liquidation and withdrawal. Foreign businessmen are being used as hostages to squeeze more money out of firms. Even Swedes and Swiss having great difficulties, indicating formal diplomatic relations with Chinese no great advantage to them.
[Page 226]Lamb did not see any possibility of a political settlement in Korea. He thought armistice might postpone showdown for a couple of years but not settle anything.
No serious friction between Chinese and Russians is apparent, although they basically dislike each other. Since death of Stalin Lamb has noticed some improvement in attitude of Chinese Communists toward Western diplomats, but no change of real significance.
There is no doubt that food shortages exist in China, but they do not seem to be on scale that authorities cannot cope with.
Lamb’s experience in Peiping left him most pessimistic regarding any real improvement in relations between Communist China and the West or the possibility of a settlement of outstanding Far Eastern problems. His outlook was definitely gloomy.
Lamb departed July 1 for London via Singapore for visit with MacDonald.2 His stay here too short for more than superficial sounding of views. Despatch follows.3