890.20/7–1549: Telegram
The Chargé in the Philippines (Lockett) to the Secretary of State
1748. Embtels 1730, July 13; 1737, July 14. Chinese Minister Chen Chih-ping called on me July 15 for apparent purposes, attempting learn our reactions proposal for Pacific Pact and advance arguments in favor US support therefor. In course conversation he confirmed much of information supplied reference telegrams and asserted China, Philippines and Korea determined go ahead with union even if no other states join it. He stated that these three states want US leadership but suggested that leadership might go elsewhere by default; he remarked Great Britain has its sphere of influence in the Pacific and queried whether US willing stand aside while Britain assumes leadership. (I judge this line was agreed in advance as President Quirino made remark yesterday about British leading and aiding members [of] pro-British bloc though he presented it in manner which was not very meaningful.) Chen added that he hoped US would give Pacific Union at least moral support and stated any US recognition of Chinese Communist regime would deal a fatal blow to morale [of] members such union including, of course, China.
As Chen seemed seek expression my views I told him all I know of US attitude toward proposed union was based on statement Acheson and McDermott1 at recent press conferences which Chen stated he had already read.
Incidentally Chinese Embassy informs us Chen Chih-ping is to be raised from rank Minister to Ambassador provided Philippine Government concurs.
[Page 1160]Sent Department 1748, repeated Canton 36.
- Michael J. McDermott, Special Assistant to the Secretary of State (press relations).↩