293.1111/8–651: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
397. I saw Vishinsky today at 1:30 p. m. (he had moved appointment up from 3 p. m.) (Embtel 394 Sept 5)1 and delivered message contained Depcirtel 220 Sept 4. Before doing so I read message to him and orally informed him of contents of second and third to last paras of reftel.
Vishinsky remarked that message had not been sent to most important addressee, Commie Chi, I replied that we had no dipl relations with them, as he knew. He made interesting remark that it was not necessary have dipl relations in order exchange direct message from one govt to another. Continuing, he said this was a matter concerning internal affairs in Chi and, of course, Sov Govt cld not intervene. I said that many factors were involved in establishment dipl relations [Page 1799] and that among other reasons ITS had been unable extend recognition Commie Chi because of its failure fulfill internatl obligations. Vishinsky stated he held another view. He considered that laws for treatment of offenders were domestic concern of each country and expressed belief that those under arrest in Chi were being given justice and said that their Amer nationality did not warrant their going unpunished. I reiterated that treatment of this kind accorded Amer natls was one of reasons why US cld not establish dipl relations with Commie Chi. He said that he did not presume to recommend recognition or interfere into a matter of concern only to two govts involved but he said he did not believe that our contention about this treatment was the reason for not recognizing Commie Chi but only that the US Govt preferred not to recognize the lawful govt that truly represented the 500 million population of Chi, but rather to recognize Chiang Kai-Shek whose regime had been driven out by the Chi people. He said that if it were not for the presence of the Amer 7th Fleet, that regime wld be disposed of within an hour. He said, however, that he did not wish to continue this discussion. Our message wld be read and considered and an answer given to it.
I said that the US position on these matters was well known thru statements of the Pres and Secy Acheson (whereupon he interjected the remark, in Russian, “only too well”), and that I had nothing more to add. Then I asked if I were to consider he had given me a definitive reply that his govt did not intend to act in this matter, or whether I shld hear again from him. He said his own views had already been expressed but that, as usual, his govt’s views did not depend on him.
Pass London, Paris. Sent Dept 397, rptd info London 59, Paris 112.
- Not printed.↩