893.00/6–2049: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cabot) to the Secretary of State
[Received 12:34 p. m.]
2354. Cheng Kang-chi, former head of local Foreign Office who stayed behind when Kmt forces evacuated Shanghai because of liberal sentiments and disgust with Kmt, has quoted to me several conversations with Communist officials indicating that Chinese Communists are far from pleased with Russian intrusions in Manchuria, Sinkiang, Port Arthur and Dairen. He said that people who took over wanted him to take job under new regime since they were so inexperienced in foreign affairs, but he felt he could not properly do so at once. Although he may have had ulterior purposes, I have always considered him intelligent, sincere pro-American and personally friendly.
Conversations indicate Chinese Communists are thinking very definitely in terms recovering full Chinese sovereignty where Soviets have acquired special rights; that they are waiting only until more urgent business is finished to press matter; that they have already raised question of Dairen and Port Arthur and have been rebuffed on ground that Kmt made arrangements “with Soviets. He also quoted a fellow-travelling friend as reversing his defense of Soviet demands in Sinkiang after consulting Communist leader. He mentioned point we have from other sources that Chinese Communist leaders are by no means as fanatical and pro-Soviet as lower Communist echelons.
Two other interesting points:
- (1)
- He said he was sure Chinese Communists do not want de facto recognition for fear it will delay de jure recognition.
- (2)
- He quoted director of Shanghai Cultural and Educational Committee as ordering removal of poster attacking American imperialism because against party policy. Incidentally, he laughed at Ta Kung Pao’s frantic and undignified efforts to curry favor.
I emphasized our open-mindedness and said that with moderation on both sides I was confident relations would improve. I pointed out, however, that vituperative propaganda parroting Kremlin line had been very damaging to any sentiment in US toward greater cooperation. I added that Communist attitude of cold-shouldering foreign representations might not only occasion misunderstandings but also prove prejudicial to Communist objectives. He said he had pointed this out also but that present impasse must be worked out gradually.
Sent Department 2354; repeated Nanking 1251; Canton 747.