125.6356/11–1148: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cabot) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 11—7:07 a. m.]
2388. Re Mukden 537, November 9 to Department, repeated Nanking 670. Acting USIS China director firmly opposed accepting any Communist literature or other propaganda for USIS library and requests Department instruct Mukden not accept such material for display.
We must impress upon Communist officials USIS library contains only American books and publications providing insight American culture and thought for Chinese people. Library has never contained any material except of American origin and must continue on that basis alone.
Agree we must be conciliatory and moderate if necessary to keep USIS operating but we cannot compromise on our principles. Any surrender to Communists on such points as raised reftel would only lead to further “offers” of Communist propaganda on same basis and negate entire USIS effort. Much more important our course of action at Mukden will point way when other areas taken over. If we accept Communist propaganda at Mukden, we will be forced to accept it again and again not only at Mukden but wherever else Communists come to power in China.
I heartily concur above comments and recommend firm refusal permit Communist to use USIS.
Sent Department; pouched to Nanking as 1806; Department pass Mukden 139.