795.00/11–1450: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Netherlands (Chapin) to the Secretary of State
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[Received November 14—3:31 p. m.]
722. I discussed substance Department’s 583 of November 131 Stikker who expressed greatest concern possible consequences our planes operating across Manchurian frontier. Said provocation undoubted and there could be no quarrel legal propriety proposed action hot pursuit for limited flying time into Manchurian air space if attacked, but wondered frankly whether would not lead all-out war Far East. Said as I knew, CPG expressed fears real purpose behind UN intervention Korea was desire part US maintain permanent military base Korea and attack CPG. I asked if he thought this feeling real or merely professed and he said while undoubtedly it exaggerated propaganda purposes was satisfied CPG fears real although obviously based no good grounds.
Said Chinese who threatened action 38th parallel and then done nothing and same again 40th parallel but who intervened on “voluntary basis” when UN troops approached close to frontier would certainly take—no matter how ill-founded premise—incursion UN fighter craft across frontier after strong statements hostilities would be restricted Korea as further indication aggressive designs US.
Stikker also professed concern possibility the more UN and specifically US forces might be pinned down Korea time when the situation so grave and these forces badly needed form hard core Europe.
Stikker made one very pertinent point when he inquired whether decision pursue attacking planes across Manchurian border was purely US decision or whether it UN decision. I replied it obvious any such authority could not be obtained over Russian veto SC but unable give any other particulars.
Stikker stated his latest information was there were 500,000 Chinese troops Manchuria addition 160,000 North Korea.
When I asked him whether his opinion Chinese policy with regard Korea dictated by Soviet Union, he replied felt it undoubtedly coordinated Russia but believed decisions being taken Peking.