125.0093/8–2545: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Hurley) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 25—2:06 p.m.]
1444. The Chinese Government is under considerable pressure from foreign diplomatic missions in Chungking, notably the British, Dutch and French, to permit consular officers to proceed to various coast and other cities. (ReEmbstel 1443, August 25, 2 p.m.) Army headquarters here is being importuned hourly to provide transportation for them, at a time when facilities are so restricted that it is only with the greatest difficulty that our Army is handling the transportation of key military personnel.
The Chinese Government has sent a note to the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps stating that it will in due course inform the corps when in the judgment of the Chinese Government the time has come for foreign missions to begin sending representatives (including consular officers) to cities in liberated China. In confidential conversation with us, the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs19 pointed out that his Government’s urgent request for authorization to reopen the Consulate in Rangoon was kept pending by the British for several months, notwithstanding the presence of very many more Chinese in Burma than there are British subjects in China, and also notwithstanding the important participation of Chinese troops in the recapture of Burma from the Japanese. The Foreign Office also points out that although the American Government acted very promptly with regard to Manila, the Chinese Consulate General there was not reestablished until the American Government had given permission for China to do so.
I am well aware of the interest of the American Government and people in the welfare of American civilian internees, and the subject [Page 1463] of their pre-surrender relief has been under constant discussion with our military authorities. A representative of the Embassy attends daily meeting at headquarters on the subject and we are keeping closely informed. There appears to us to be no justification yet for sending Foreign Service Officers into the areas in question.
- K. C. Wu.↩