Message CANBERRA, 4 October 1949 [1]

It would be of great help to us to know at the earliest possible
moment your views on recognition of the Northern Chinese
Government. You will appreciate that in matters affecting the
Pacific and the Far East we do not want any action taken in
anticipation of action here. Personally, I do not see why this
Government should not be recognised in respect of its effective
area of occupation, retaining recognition of the National
Government similarly. There are also some advantages in the
Assembly appointing a United Nations Commission to keep the
Chinese situation under constant review, reporting immediately if
there were any threat of aggression, for example, against Hong
Kong. Above all, I think Australia's action should be concerted
with the United Kingdom. Best wishes.