711.93/9–146: Telegram
The Chargé in the Soviet Union (Durbrow) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 1—1:11 p.m.]
3367. We have seen a copy of British FonOff instruction of August 29 to Clark-Kerr29 to take up with Department question of our China policy and possible Soviet and Chinese Communist reactions thereto. Since he most likely did not communicate views which FonOff provided for his background information, we paraphrase them below.
Clark-Kerr was to avoid giving impression that UK desired, either through offer of mediation or otherwise, to assume share of responsibility for current USA policy in China, which may well culminate in failure. UK seeks clearer understanding of future American intentions before formulating its own China policy.
It might be added by way of comment that we know from British Embassy here that British FonOff is in midst of examination of China situation in preparation for formulation of policy designed to meet new conditions in China. FonOff has asked Moscow Embassy to offer views and suggestions, which it is doing.
To prevent source drying up, this information should be handled with utmost discretion.
- Lord Inverchapel (formerly Sir Archibald J. K. Clark Kerr), British Ambassador in the United States.↩