893.00/7–1448: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Stuart)
1038. Suggestion advanced Urtel 1293, July 14, that Embassy official proceed Hong Kong for purpose advising Marshal Li is not approved.
U. S. recognition and support of Central Govt makes improper and undesirable the taking of such steps as would have effect of giving encouragement to rebellious factions, or of extending a form of official support to such factions. In China, as in other countries of world, U. S. having extended recognition to a Govt and maintaining friendly relations with it refrains from giving advice or assistance to persons or organizations seeking to displace or overthrow by force the recognized Govt.
Moreover, presence in Hong Kong of Emb official at this juncture could not fail to cause comment, particularly if proposed visit to Marshal Li became known, and might seriously embarrass U. S. Govt. Congen Hong Kong should immediately be instructed to adopt extremely circumspect attitude with regard relations between its officers and Marshal Li and to avoid offering any suggestions or indications of encouragement, personal or official.
Likewise, question raised urtel 1269, July 13, and 1286, July 14 of stationing political or military observer with KmtRC provisional govt in event of establishment could only be decided in light of future developments. Emb should also immediately make plain Hong Kong that Service should not accompany Marshal Li if departure to establish provisional govt eventuates, nor should any U. S. civilian or military personnel be detailed as observers without Dept’s prior approval.
Basic and primary factor to be considered in reaching decision this overall matter should situation ultimately develop in the way Emb suggests possible would be status of Central Govt at the time. Belated factors would be quality of personnel heading provisional govt, location of capital, measure of popular support, attitude towards Communists, size of area under actual control, etc. These considerations likewise would affect specific problem of observers.
Emb is urged to continue reporting developments as fully and [Page 364] promptly as possible, also to continue to avoid taking any action which might compromise or might be interpreted as compromising U. S. Govt.