893.00/8–1148: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 11—7:02 a. m.]
1483. Developments in Shantung province indicate likelihood Tsinan will fall to Communists in near future, thus making available to Communists ample strength to occupy Tsingtao should they decide on such move. Admiral Badger26 has told us of his intention to evacuate dependents should Tsinan fall. Turner27 has raised question of policy regarding maintaining Consulate should Tsingtao be threatened occupation by Communists.
Even though there would be few routine consular functions to be [Page 822] performed in Tsingtao after Communist occupation, we have felt in Embassy that the first post to be overrun should be the guinea pig in an effort to ascertain reactions of Communists to maintenance American Consular establishment within territory under their jurisdiction. We are still of this opinion in respect to Tsingtao but would appreciate Department’s instructions in order that Turner may take necessary preliminary measures against prolonged siege if decision is that he remain.