893.48/2–2848: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cabot) to the Secretary of State
Shanghai, February 28, 1948—3
p.m.
[Received February 28—9:09 a.m.]
[Received February 28—9:09 a.m.]
457. For the Ambassador.
- 1.
- Advised by Dodds, who has just returned from Tsingtao, that Navy has made contact with Communist authorities and will shortly be requesting Dodds to go in as third party emissary in connection release marine (reurtel 144, February 22; repeated Department as 336 and Shanghai telegram 283, February 21, repeated Washington as 39914). In view this development, have informed UNRRA15 that there is no need for them to endeavor our behalf to re-establish contact Communist authorities through CLARA16 radio and assume this meets your approval. We will await word from Navy before sending Dodds north and will assume, unless instructed to contrary, that neither Embassy nor Department has objection to assignment of Dodds this mission. Latter incidentally willing to undertake it on basis conversations Navy in Tsingtao.
- 2.
- In above connection will appreciate view of Embassy and Department as to letting Dodds explore informally with Communist authorities ways and means of extending possible relief assistance, especially medical, to Communist-held areas which are out of active war zone. Suggest exploratory talks would, of course, be for information of China Relief Mission only and contingent upon whether Dodds found himself dealing with Communist civil or military authorities. Recognized here that any approach this nature must not be quid pro quo, and in fact kept deliberately separate until main negotiations concluded. [Page 354] Dodds’ mission might, however, present useful opportunity to explore attitude of Communist authorities on constructive relief assistance. Please instruct.
Sent Nanking as 326; repeated Department as 457, Tsingtao by courier as 46.
Cabot