390.1115A/12–544: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in China (Atcheson)
Washington, December 7,
1944—8 p.m.
1596. The Department approves in principle the decision reached by you (ReEmbs 1951, December 5, 10 a.m., numbered paragraph 1) in consultation with Generals Hurley and Wedemeyer.
- 1.
- It is desired that you implement the decision in so far as it applies to unofficial American citizens in Chungking keeping in mind that every precaution should be taken against causing undue alarm.
- 2.
- Procedure for implementation of the decision with regard to Government civilian personnel is under consideration, in consultation with interested branches of the Government, and you will be informed in the matter at an early date. In the meantime please keep the Department informed, on the basis of consultation with Generals Hurley and Wedemeyer, of the situation as it develops.
- 3.
- The Department would appreciate learning as soon as possible the plans of your British colleague34 with regard to the considerable British civilian community in Chungking and other places in China.
- 4.
- The Department will take steps to hold in abeyance departure of American civilians for China and approves your request to offices in India. Please inform your British colleague.
- 5.
- The Department approves your plans with regard to disposal of archives, if and when action of that character is required, but cautions against creation of atmosphere which might cause unnecessary excitement and uneasiness.
- 6.
- Your proposal to accumulate funds in U. S. currency is approved.
- 7.
- Specific authorizations for payment of emergency expenditures transportation Chinese staff will be granted upon report of amounts.
Stettinius
- The British Ambassador, Sir Horace J. Seymour.↩