Office of the Historian

125.633/5–2848: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Stuart)

Washington, June 21, 1948—5 p. m.

903. From Butterworth23 for Clark.24 Ward Mukden has forwarded me copy his letter May 28 to you25 re question retention staff in event Communist occupation that city. In view circumstances set forth Ward’s letter we are inclined view sympathetically his recommendations. However, cuts in Dept’s appropriations require reduction staffs in posts throughout world. Dept has, therefore, found it necessary reduce Mukden FSO complement to 2 and FSS complement to 7. Mukden being notified these changes in separate communication.25

Please inform Ward foregoing and add that Dept sympathizes his position and difficulties and wishes assure him every desire to take all possible steps assist him this critical period. As indicated Deptel 5 Jan. 2,25 it is assumed Emb has taken necessary action to send Mukden supplies requested by Ward against eventuality Communist occupation and cutting communications. [Butterworth.]

Marshall
  1. W. Walton Butterworth, Director of the Office of Far Eastern Affairs.↩
  2. Lewis Clark, Minister-Counselor of Embassy in China.↩
  3. Not printed.↩
  4. Not printed.↩
  5. Not printed.↩