893.00/2–2147: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 21—12:47 p.m.]
336. Chinese contact of the Embassy states that a proposal has been made to the Generalissimo by the C-C clique70 to send a delegation to Moscow to consist of Chen Li-fu [apparent garble], Chiang Ching-kuo,71 and Sun Fo. It is proposed that the delegation arrive prior to the impending meeting of Foreign Ministers and endeavor to reach some arrangement which would forestall the possibility of multilateral discussions or agreement involving Chinese interest without the participation and consent of China.
The Embassy is unable to place any estimate on the reliability of this report. The possibility that it is substantially correct should not be completely eliminated but the Embassy inclines to the belief that story is planted on it and designed to increase American apprehension prior to the conference concerning the position the Soviet Union may [Page 41] take and to strengthen the Chinese argument in favor of immediate and extensive American assistance to the National Government. If this is the case it is believed quite likely that some similar suggestion may be made in Washington.
Should the opportunity present itself, the Embassy will endeavor to make further discreet investigation.