FO371-23517 — Page 146

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TI

F

From CHINA.

F 9926

9 SEP 1939

Mr. Prideaux-Brune (Chungking).

39

Decypher.

8th September, 1939.

D. 4.30 p.m.

R. 5.0 p.m.

8th September, 1939.

8th September, 1939.

No. 195.

rrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

M

/

Addressed to Shanghai telegram No. 526, September 8th. There is much perplexity in Chungking regarding new international situation and course which China should

follow. There are several sections of opinion all of which

are offering advice to Chiang-Kai-shek. One section

advocates an immediate declaration of war on Germany in

order to confirm and strenthen British and French obligation towards China. A small but very influential pro-German section advocates caution and a gradual cultivation of good relations with Germany. They cite possibility of eventually having (to support Germany in Europe and also possibility of China receiving supplies from Germany through Poland and Russia. A few people headed by Dr. Kung advocate absolute neutrality. There remains a section which`is probably numerically the largest and whose views are nearest to those of

ř

Chiang Kai-shek himself. They feel that the only guiding

thread through the labyrinth is to keep in close accord with Great Britain and France on some issue of resistance to aggression. Manifestly the first step would be to explore (1) Possibility of China rendering assistance (she would not declare war against Germany except as a means to that end) and (2) the extent to which Great Britain and France will still be able to help China. This policy is based on assumption that there will be no yielding to SEPapan on essentials and that necessary assistance to China

wi be forthcoming.

I

Ching Kai-shek is anxious about Russian communists. Local communist newspaper is becoming increasingly unfriendly towards Great Britian.

F.O. REGISTRY

Repeated to the Foreign Office telegram No. 193.

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