893.00/6–2249: Telegram
The Consul General at Peiping (Clubb) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 22—6:51 a. m.]
1058. ReDeptels 367, June 14 and 376, June 17.39 In light speech Mao Tse-tung, Assistant AMilAt40 Barrett recommended whole project of making reply should be discarded. He reported accordingly AMilAt; Nanking.
[Page 395]Matter was thoroughly discussed between us and point of Barrett’s recommendation is clear: Such approach by Commie leader international problems by all outward indications holds little promise for rapprochement China, USA, with China seemingly tightly tied Soviet chariot. This impression is only strengthened by current Commie publicity re position Japan. Indications are in short Commies anticipate increasingly close political relations with the USSR and probably early recognition by USSR of any new Central Government.
I nevertheless concluded project should be carried out as originally formulated. This partly for reasons set forth Contel 1031, June 17. With particular reference to reaction indicated second paragraph, note further following points: (1) fact Mao is currently being referred to in American press as prospective Tito may have caused him use more violent verbiage than would otherwise have been case, (2) Chou’s démarche may have been made with knowledge other influential circles CCP as suggested Contel 928, June 2, but without knowledge USSR Commies (now isolated except for USSR liaison), hoping better contacts with Anglo-American groups to give them more freedom movement, (3) if Chou approach represented will of important group, it should be exploited as perhaps opening door to other important developments, and (4) if Chou’s approach was isolated or has now been cancelled out by group decision [no?] loss would be sustained by presenting so clear and firm statement of American policy as given in Depreftel. Mao Tse-tung speech makes present reply perhaps even more pertinent. Limited success achieved CFM conference Paris weakens Commie position Asia, as Europe. That weakness should be exploited. Whether Chou démarche offers some opportunity for exploitation position China for benefit USA can be determined only by trial. If optimism unwarranted, it is still desirable explore possibilities.
Barrett contacting intermediary for first step.
Sent Department, repeated Nanking 735.