Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, The Far East: China, Volume IX

893.01/11–1649: Telegram

The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the Secretary of State

London, November 16, 1949—6 p. m.
[Received November 16—2:57 p. m.]

4587. At invitation Bevin, HCs²⁴ [of] Commonwealth Governments called at Foreign Office in body afternoon 15th exchange views recognition Chinese Communists. View HCS about as anticipated as follows:

a. India: Earlier the better.

b. Canada: In favor of recognition, but timing conditioned to some extent by US opinion.

c. Australia: Some effort should be made through informal contact with Communists to obtain prior promise of good behavior.

d. New Zealand: No firm opinion.

e. Pakistan: No views.

f. General consensus that recognition should be coordinated so far as possible.

According to Scarlett, Embassy’s informant in Foreign Office, Bevin specifically directed that report of conference be forwarded Department, but CRO²⁵ which handled details moves slowly and report will probably not be embodied in telegram to British Embassy, Washington, before 21st.

When Embassy officer referred to report New Zealand had emphatically gone on record as being against recognition, Scarlett intimated Fraser²⁶ was busy electioneering and had not given matter sufficient thought.

Scarlett’s best estimate timing British recognition early January.

As yet no firm date Ceylon conference, although January 9 suggested.

Sent Department 4587, repeated Canberra unnumbered, Delhi 109, Wellington unnumbered.

Douglas

24. High Commissioners.
25. Commonwealth Relations Office.
26. Peter Fraser, New Zealand Prime Minister and Minister of External Affairs.