Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, The Far East and Australasia, Volume VII, Part 2

890.20/7–2249: Telegram

The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Kirk) to the Secretary of State

Moscow, July 22, 1949—1 p. m.

1818. This Embassy completely in agreement Depcirtel July 20 regarding Chiang-Quirino proposal for Pacific Union. Association envisaged by them would not only be inherently weak but would be extremely vulnerable Soviet Communist propaganda throughout Asia particularly in India and Japan. Soviet press has already gleefully anticipated our involvement in Chiang-Quirino project by alleging important role played in discussions by representative [of] MacArthur (Embtel 1789, July 19¹).

Aside from adverse reactions in Asia itself, Chiang-Quirino plan would play squarely into Soviet hands which are now mercilessly probing every sphere of real or fancied “Anglo-American contradictions”. Nothing would make Kremlin happier as it proceeds with its long-range program of recreating Asia in its own image than to find its non-Communist Asian opposition divided into American and British blocs. Chiang’s reported exclusion of India-Pakistan because they are Commonwealth (Depinfotel July 20²) demonstrates his failure appreciate this danger.

Whatever may be motivations Romulo’s emphasis (Depinfotel July 18²) on consultations with Nehru accords with Embassy’s views on crystallization anti-Communist forces Asia around India expressed Embtel 222, January 28.³

Repeated London 185, New Delhi 28, Nanking 81, Tokyo 32.

Kirk

1. Not printed; it reported an anti-American article in the Soviet press (890.20/7–1949).
2. Not printed.
2. Not printed.
3. Not printed.