893.01/10–2749: Telegram
The Consul General at Taipei (Macdonald) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 27—1:21 a. m.]
621. Inspector General, Chinese Maritime Customs L. K. Little just returned from Hong Kong where he conferred with British Ambassador [Page 148] to China. In reply to direct question by Little re British recognition Chinese Communists, Ambassador stated he saw no reason for delaying recognition but that his Government would take no action until: (1) after conference of area Ministers and Ambassadors at Singapore, and (2) disposition of China’s case in UN. By possible maneuvering, the disposition of China’s case in UN might be prolonged by US if we desire to postpone British recognition at this time.
Prominent British businessman and close friend of Little’s confided to Little that British Ambassador told him he would press for immediate recognition Communist China upon arriving London.
Governor of Hong Kong remarked to Little he did not think recognition imminent.
Sent Department, repeated Hong Kong 59.