125.953/9–3048: Airgram
The Consul General at Tsingtao ( Turner ) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 11—9:30 a. m.]
A–43. The fall of Tsinan to the Communists on or about September 24th has rendered the position of Tsingtao exposed to attack by the Communists. There is now little to prevent their massing overwhelming forces in the eastern part of this province and attacking this ill-defended city at such time as their schedule requires.
The Embassy in Nanking has informed me that it is the Department’s desire that this office be maintained even in the event of attack and capture of the city by the Communists. The Department will realize, of course, that this expectation by the Department involves no little risk to the welfare and safety of personnel at this office. We do not know what attitude the Chinese Communists will take towards American consular personnel, but we do know that at best a consular office within Communist territory would be almost completely isolated and could expect to encounter considerable hardships. For example all fuel for Tsingtao is now imported by sea. This supply would cease immediately if the city were captured, which would mean that all such utilities as power, lights and water would fail. There would also be serious problems with respect to foodstuffs and daily necessities.
[Page 825]In asking Foreign Service personnel to submit to the risks of going behind the iron curtain in the midst of a military campaign, it is assumed that the Department has also carefully considered the measures necessary to assist such personnel in maintaining their welfare, health and morale and is prepared to provide the necessary funds for that purpose. Aside from the considerable stock of foodstuffs, fuel and other supplies that would have to be provided, there should be sufficient extra personnel made available to maintain services and to assure the performance of official duties under extraordinary circumstances. I estimate that at least two assistants, preferably young unmarried men, would be needed to undertake “housekeeping” duties over and above the normal complement of this office.
It is probable that the Department has already on hand plans for similar contingencies at other posts, such as Mukden. It would be greatly appreciated if such plans and instructions could be supplied to this office as soon as possible. If considered desirable by the Department, this office will prepare an estimate of requirements and recommendations.
In the meantime it is advisable that an unmarried male clerk be sent to this office in replacement of the one female clerk, Miss Margaret Crowley, FSS–11, who should be transferred to some other post before the emergency becomes more immediate here.