893.00/11–648: Telegram

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

1639. Reurtel 2128 Nov 7. As you state in final para urtel 2117 Nov 6,10 in event Gimo and/or his Govt leave Nanking, you should seek Dept instructions. In so doing you should inform Dept your views, particularly with respect to extent such Govt represents major factor in terms influence, following, and territory and forces under its control or to extent it consists simply of Gimo and personal entourage. If you are approached by Chi Govt or your diplomatic colleagues re this subject, you should say matter must be referred to Washington for decision, which would have to be made in light of developments and the then existing situation. You may confidentially inform chiefs foreign missions who discussed this question with you Nov 3 that you would expect inform them re US Govt decision prior taking any action pursuant final decision this Govt. Dept will give similar reply Brit, French and Canadian Embs which have already approached us this regard but will indicate that they will be informed prior to issuance any definite instructions to Emb Nanking.

Lovett
  1. Ante, p. 543.