Recognition of the Chinese Communists at the earliest possible moment was recommended yesterday by John K. Fairbank, professor of History and an expert on Far Eastern affairs.

Protracted enmity toward China by the United States merely because it is Communist would deliver China even more to Russian control and would destroy the unsteady contacts this nation still has in China, Fairbank warned.

Agreement with the Chinese Communists is particularly difficult at present, Fairbank admitted, because of the hostility displayed by the Chinese in such acts as the arrest of Angus Ward, American Consul-General at Mukden.

"Nevertheless," Fairbank said, "It would be foolish for the United States to take a hostile and negative attitude toward the Chinese Communists rather than establishing reasonably friendly relations to keep the economic and cultural ties we still have with China."

It is very difficult, Fairbank said, to ascertain how closely the Chinese adhere to the Russian political line. "Some Americans who have just returned from Peking told me the Chinese Communists are still very nationalistic.

"It's very doubtful, then that the Chinese will be content to be pawns of the Russians. On the other hand, the ideological link between the Soviets and the Chinese can't be underrated."