123 [Josselyn, Paul R.]: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Hurley)
1377. Dept hopes for early reply to its 1330 August 25, 2 p.m.
Apart from internee problem there are several reasons making desirable return of Foreign Service Officers as soon as possible to the liberated areas of China.
- 1.
- There are numerous civilians in liberated areas claiming American citizenship who have not been interned. Many of them, as well as some internees, do not, according to Swiss, desire repatriation. Concerning them there are certain to be many problems of citizenship protection and relief.
- 2.
- Dept is already being importuned by representatives of Mission organizations and business firms for information on properties in China, conditions there or probable time when they may be able to return to China. Owners have right to expect active American efforts to investigate, protect and preserve properties but Army acting alone, even if willing, may have difficulty in such matters as locating properties and determining which are legitimately entitled to protection. Dept also requires reports from the field on which to base its advice to Americans having interests in China.
Reports from Swiss, particularly Bern’s 4023 August 29, 5 p.m.21 which has been repeated to Chungking, show considerable anxiety over general situation in liberated areas and indicate need for presence of American representatives. Dept does not feel that delays which Chinese Govt may have experienced in securing British approval for reopening of its Consulate in Rangoon or current Chinese negotiations with British or other Govts for reopening of consular offices in China should affect our urgent desire to have Foreign Service Officers enter liberated areas. You are requested to take the action requested in paragraphs 3 and 6 of our 1330 August 25, 2 p.m.