893.01/11–2849
The British Embassy to the Department of State 44 1237/93/49
Memorandum
Mr. Bevin and the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations45 met the High Commissioners of the Commonwealth Governments in London on 15th November and the question of recognition of the Chinese communist government was discussed.
The views of Commonwealth Governments were briefly as follows:
Canada. The Canadian Government realised that recognition was inevitable, but they were in no hurry to take this step. Reasons for caution were:—
- (1)
- repercussion of recognition on Chinese living in Canada.
- (2)
- Canadian interests still remain largely in territories controlled by Nationalists in West China.
- (3)
- reluctance to march out of step with the United States.
Australia and New Zealand. Both Governments see difficulties about immediate recognition and would prefer to postpone any decision until some time after their respective elections. The Australian Government also considers that an unofficial approach should be made to the communist government to obtain assurance of respect for international obligations and territorial integrity of neighbouring countries. [Page 201] Dr. Evatt has publicly announced that the question should be discussed at the Colombo Conference.
India. The Government of India are in favour of early recognition and may act independently if general recognition is too long delayed.
Pakistan and Ceylon. Both Governments’ views generally coincide with those of the United Kingdom.
It will be seen from the above that differences are on timing rather than on principle. While making it quite clear that he had not consulted his Cabinet colleagues, Mr. Bevin gave it as his impression on the question of timing that it would probably suit the general convenience of Commonwealth and other friendly governments if the act of recognition was delayed for some weeks.
The reasons for such timing were:—
- (a)
- The Chinese motion in the United Nations and the present Assembly Session would be ended.
- (b)
- The new Australian and New Zealand Governments would have been formed and elections over.
- (c)
- The Netherlands Government wished to delay recognition until after the transfer of sovereignty in Indonesia which will be not later than December 30th.
- (d)
- The French wished to delay recognition until after ratification of the agreements with Bao Dai, because of the discouraging effect that prior recognition of the communist government might have on his supporters.
The meeting was aware that the detention of the United States Consul-General in Mukden still remained a most serious obstacle to recognition for the United States.