893.00/12–1648: Telegram
The Consul General at Peiping (Clubb) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:44 p. m.]
554. Re Contel 543, December 15. Intermediary saw agent again today and brought modified version, it now being proposed that:
- 1.
- Americans be advised remain in residence on property in order protect it.
- 2.
- American business and technical staffs including USIS remain at posts.
- 3.
- There be no destruction American equipment such PUMC40 or USIS (believed by Communists include consular radio station?). For latter might be able function. (Intermediary explained Communists heard destruction equipment AAG41 on departure Peiping and evidently considered this in proposal.)
- 4.
- If possible, persuade Chinese academicians and technicians remain Peiping where needed.
- 5.
- If possible, persuade Fu give up since hopeless position and surrender, departure best for all.
Re 1, I made no comment. Re 2, said best my knowledge almost all Americans planned go had gone. Re 3, said best my knowledge no intention PUMC, other US concern destroy but same property might be threatened by troops during interim period. [Re] 4, said in no position influence Chinese technicians in their decision go or stay. [Page 658] Re 5, I said American position was one of noninterference Chinese affairs and I could not undertake advise Fu one way or another.
Note that item re protection Peiping utilities was not brought forward today. It would be logical assume Communists endeavoring in any event make arrangements through other channels. Opine tentatively problem utilities can best be left to Chinese.
Intermediary gave impression feeling time was short. That factor of course remains uncertain element present equation (Contel 553, December 1643).
Note by information Contel 552, December 1643 that there is now shaping up organization which could serve function of “maintenance”. Now consulting with consular colleagues re possible interim measures.
Repeated Nanking as 810.