501.BB/9–2149: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Acting Secretary of State
Delga 7. From Jessup. Just finished long conversation with Tsiang. He will speak tomorrow morning in GA and will open up Chinese complaint against USSR. On his own authority and without informing other members Chinese delegation, he will say he speaks for Chinese people, this being intended to exclude identification any Chinese governmental party. He will not in speech definitely suggest [Page 188] placing case on agenda but plans to do this in general committee early next week and in any case before October 1. He was not definite on question his instructions but was definite about action he will take.
Central point this case will be violation Sino-Soviet treaty including Dairen on which he is prepared to refute Soviet argument. Will also cover railroads and general assistance to Chinese Communists. Regarding evidence Soviet aid Chinese Communists, Tsiang said Government decided not to ship actual exhibits in form of Russian arms captured but referred again to numerous photographs of arms and personnel which could be identified as Russian. He admitted evidence is spotty and cannot show volume or percentage of aid.
He first said he hoped for resolution which would find breach of treaty. When I questioned him regarding GA precedent for such finding on a legal question, he changed his ground and said he would be content with resolution calling on the two parties to submit case to International Court. On question aid to Communists, he hoped Assembly would make definite finding but later abandoned this position staying he had in mind a “negative” type of resolution which would call on members not to aid Chinese Communists. He expressed hope US jointly with one Asiatic and one Latin American state would sponsor such a resolution, Tsiang asserted main need in China now is boost for morale and they have no expectation material aid from UN. He is considering desirability some UN commission in China but has no firm view on this point.
Regarding support other delegations, Tsiang said his one fear was of abstentions but hopes 30 votes could be mustered for some resolution. He said among Latin Americans Brazil, Chile and Peru had assured him of their support and probable other Latin American support. Egypt has promised strong support and Tsiang expects other Arab states to follow. He counts on Pakistan. Member Chinese delegation interviewed Mrs. Pandit yesterday and was told Chinese were mistaken in thinking India was letting China down. Mrs. Pandit said India had strongly argued in Commonwealth discussions against recognition Chinese Communists. Mrs. Pandit also said Chinese Ambassador, New Delhi, had not told them fully about Chinese plans in GA. Tsiang interpreted tone and content her statements as indicating support. Tsiang also claims support of Philippines and Thailand. We will check with delegations regarding Tsiang’s estimate.
Tsiang indicated no difficulty difference of instructions from Generalissimo and President Li. He said he was actively fostering creation new non-Communist Chinese group which would accept participation all elements but build chiefly on liberals including leftwing, Hu Shih and several officials National Government already lined up with Tsiang in this movement. Tsiang anticipates Russians will use [Page 189] China White Paper in GA debates and is prepared to say he is pleading for no Chinese Government but only for Chinese people.
I told him we had been waiting further details his plans and I would now report to Department concerning this conversation. I personally believe we should make decision now concerning tactics. I refrained from broaching to Tsiang idea of resolution along lines Nine-Power Treaty. Believe Department should decide whether desirable suggest this approach to Tsiang in next few days and canvass other delegations. Question of possible proposed action on Formosa also needs reconsideration. After Tsiang’s speech tomorrow we will probably get further reactions and also requests for US attitude toward problem. [Jessup.]