BRITISH OFFER OF DIPLOMATIC ACTION IN RED CHINA

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23154, 17 January 1950, Page 5

BRITISH OFFER OF DIPLOMATIC ACTION IN RED CHINA

(N.Z.P. A.—Reuter —Copyright.) (10 a.m.) LONDON, Jan. 16. Britain’s action in conveying to the Chinese Communist Government America’s protest against the seizure of the United States Consulate in the Chinese capital gives effect to the British view that after the recent exchange of Notes Britain is in diplomatic relations with Peking.

It Is understood that Britain has agreed to look after American interests in China while Washington is not itself in diplomatic relations with the Chinese Government.

The British Foreign Office spokesman said that so far no replies had been received from the French or Dutch Governments to Britain’s offer to act on their behalf in Peking in view of the reported seizure of property belonging to them there. The news of the seizure of American, French and Dutch property has created the impression in London that the Chinese Government is not prepared to remain neutral towards countries which have so far not decided to recognise it.