893.00/6–2248: Airgram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Smith) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 1—8:19 a. m.]
A–604. Reference Peiping’s despatch no. 24 of February 19, 194844 on Chinese political situation, with particular reference to statement in second paragraph, page 3 to effect that confidential discussion of China situation with Soviet authorities might be profitable in eliciting information with regard to current Soviet attitudes, Embassy desires venture the opinion that such discussion would be unlikely either to elicit valuable information or substantially to further U. S. policy. In addition to fact that “confidential” talks with Soviet Government are not possible in sense they are with other countries, Soviet line on China may be deduced to some extent from Communist literature and recent actions. Soviets would obviously prefer “coalition government” in which Chinese Communists had clear opportunity dominate; otherwise they will work for progressive deterioration Kmt Government and progressive strengthening Chinese Communist authority. Point at which Chinese Communist “government” will be established will depend on Chinese and world conditions.
Believed here that U. S. policy toward China should be based on general thesis that “compromise” or “coalition” with Communists is a dangerous step toward Communist domination and that the goal in China should be revolutionary political and economic reforms and a government with enough strength, integrity and efficiency to appeal to all desirable non-Communist Chinese elements.