893.00/11–748: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 7—3:40 a. m.]
2128. Meeting under reference was informal, secret and called November 1 by French Ambassador in capacity Dean Diplomatic Corps (reDeptel 1558, November 66). Present were French, Canadian, Belgian, Netherlands Ambassadors, British Chargé and myself accompanied by Merchant7 in absence Clark8 in Tsingtao. No conclusions or agreements were reached on any subject other than that, on call of French Ambassador, group might usefully re-assemble in time of possible future emergencies. Topics discussed included hardship imposed in operating under official rate of exchange, possibility future evacuation warnings other than that already issued by all present for North China and propriety Consuls dealing with local de facto authorities in areas no longer effectively controlled by National Government. Widely prevalent rumors move of Central Government to Canton or Taiwan were discussed but no agreement reached. Nor did thought apparently exist in mind of anyone present that purpose was other than informal exchange information and laying ground-work [Page 852] for possible common consultation and action if emergency developed which made this clearly desirable.
During course of meeting I said little and on point of possible physical move confined myself Generalissimo’s unalterable will to continue war, adding that if the Government to which we are accredited moved we would all, no doubt, move with him. I made clear, however, that my Government would have to make its decision under such an event in the light of conditions at the time and we then went into a somewhat aimless general discussion of the form which a new government might take, the conditions under which it might come into being and the real possibility that Generalissimo might seek to move the capital but be unable to carry with him anything in fact resembling a government.
On other major points discussed my views follow seriatim:
- 1.
- With respect to foreign exchange arrangements, I believe we should retain our independence of action and in view of stronger bargaining position not join in any general effort to seek a universally applicable diplomatic rate of exchange.
- 2.
- With respect to the issuance of evacuation warnings and the concerting of any emergency evacuation plans, I believe I should keep my principal colleagues informed. I am doing this and plan to continue.
- 3.
- It is common sense and I believe common practice under international law for Consuls to deal with local de facto authorities in pursuance of their protective activities and that such dealings if handled properly do not imply diplomatic recognition nor disloyalty to the government to which they are accredited.
- 4.
- I believe we should give our full support to the National Government as long as it continues the war against the Communists and is in effective control of substantial territory. If it effects a truce with the Communists or admits Communists into the Government, I believe we should immediately re-examine our position but not withdraw recognition in advance of such re-examination. I believe, however, we should suspend economic aid and military advice pending result policy decisions arising from such re-examination. If the Generalissimo or his constitutional successor decides to move the Government from Nanking and it is clear that he will take with him substantially intact his Cabinet and his chief military commanders, then I believe I should accompany him with my principal staff, leaving a Consular section at the Embassy. I may say that I consider it improbable that the Generalissimo or his legal successor could effectively move the Government. What is more likely and what poses the more difficult question is an attempt by the Generalissimo or even his constitutional successor to move the Government and to be successful only to the extent of carrying with him his personal entourage. Under this contingency it seemed to be the informal consensus of my colleagues in which I concur that if an attempt was made to move the capital which resembled more closely the personal flight of a few individuals than an effective transfer of the seat of the Government then the sensible thing in the absence [Page 853] of contrary instructions from their own Governments was to remain in Nanking.
With regard to first sentence urtel, I recall no specific mention of southern tip Formosa. Taipei and Canton were only two likely points of transfer mentioned, according my recollection.