893.00/10–1347
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 24.]
Sir: I have the honor to enclose a copy of a memorandum15 of conversation between an officer of the Embassy and Dr. Lo Lung-chi of the Democratic League on October 7, 1947.
It will be noted that in general Dr. Lo expresses no views which are dissimilar to those previously expressed and contained in memoranda of conversations15 forwarded to the Department under cover of Embassy’s Despatch No. 823 of June 20, 1947, and Embassy’s Despatch No. 872 of July 11, 1947.16
It will be noted, however, that Dr. Lo feels that the position of the Government is weakening rapidly and that as social and economic conditions also deteriorate any fear of Communist victory in China felt by the Chinese themselves is largely submerged by considerations of mere survival. Under such conditions Dr. Lo feels that fear of Communist victory in China is something which exists largely in American psychology and is generally non-existent in Chinese psychology. Although the Embassy feels that this view of Dr. Lo constitutes an oversimplification of the situation in China, it is an important factor bearing upon the situation and one which is increasing in importance as the situation further deteriorates. The mere struggle to obtain sufficient food and clothing to maintain life is becoming more important than any political ideology and therefore, the task of the Communists is being made easier.
With regard to the Government’s most recent attack upon the Democratic League, the Department’s attention is directed to the [Page 325] Embassy’s Despatch No. 730 of May 16, 1947, “Probable Course of Central Government Policy Toward Non-Kuomintang Political Groups”.
Respectfully yours,
First Secretary of Embassy