Foreign Relations of the United States, 1948, The Far East: China, Volume VIII

893.1115/10–2148: Telegram

The Consul General at Peiping (Clubb) to the Secretary of State

Peiping, October 21, 1948—2 p.m.
[Received October 21—8:34 a.m.]

372. ReEmbtel 184, October 18, 5 p.m.⁸³ Invite attention Embassy to estimate situation Contel 566, October 21⁸⁴ which estimate would seem in general accord with that given Embtel 179, October 13⁸⁵ (Tientsin by safehand).

Observe Americans residing east of Sian and north Yangtze were given warning of deteriorating situation early as last December (Emb-cirtel December 29, 5 p.m.⁸⁶) that American military personnel Peiping have been instructed to pack and ship effects and personnel Consulate likewise alerted (Embcirtel May 26⁸⁷). Since original warning to American citizens contemplated by Embassy was in nature of preliminary alert which would eliminate those unwilling remain under possible Communist jurisdiction [and] effect occupation [evacuation?] by normal commercial means, and in view circumstances (1) packing concerns Peiping are already overburdened with backlog, (2) shipping situation outward from Tientsin is already difficult and (3) both rail communications from Peiping, Tientsin and air from Peiping now subject interruption very short notice, this office believes our responsibility to American citizens fully warrants issuance now of proposed preliminary warning to Americans. Note possibility particularly political repercussions in US to detriment of services in event failure give ample formal warning.

Sent Nanking 567, repeated Department.

Clubb

83. Sent to the Department as telegram No. 1926, p. 852.
84. Sent to the Department as telegram No. 371, vii, p. 503.
85. Sent to the Department as telegram No. 1896, p. 848.
86. See airgram No. 1, January 2, from the Ambassador in China, p. 809.
87. Not printed.