893.01 Provisional/6: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Counselor of Embassy in China ( Lockhart )

400. Your 825, December 14, 6 p.m.

1.
You should be guided primarily by the necessity of avoiding action or attitude that might be construed as carrying any degree of official recognition of the new régime.
2.
Bearing in mind, however, the possible future practical need of informal dealings with officials of the new régime in the protection of American interests, the Department suggests that you receive any call made upon you by persons representing the new régime and acknowledge such call by sending or if deemed definitely expedient taking in return your personal card with the personal name of your caller written upon it. You should avoid formal relationships and keep your contacts on an informal, personal basis.
Hull