Office of the Historian

125.0093/11–2348: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Chargé in the Philippines (Lockett)75

Washington, November 24, 1948—5 p.m.

1390. For Embassy and Wright.76 Appreciate Embassy’s report lack of housing, either public or private to accommodate large numbers personnel evacuated China other than Philippine University area. [Page 896] Your 2282 Nov. 22.77 However, Nanking 2299 Nov. 23 reduces estimated number personnel now to be evacuated Manila to 125. As possible alternative Phil Univ quarters can you consider Camp John Hay or Sea Front as staging area to receive China personnel pending possible other arrangements Manila or elsewhere. Per diem will be paid while Manila making possible hotel or private quarters as available.

Report present space available Sea Front and what additional space can be made available on barracks basis through consolidation Rehabilitation Agencies warehousing quarters and time required for consolidation.

Department will allot funds to cover cost Phil Univ area if required but urges exploration other possibilities considering reduced numbers evacuees reported by Nanking.

Embassy’s recommendation return evacuees to US considered but Dept. believes preferable provide point near China as staging area from which employees, if necessary to evacuate this category personnel, may be reassigned other points in area and from which dependents may more easily rejoin officers and employees remaining China when conditions permit.

Marshall
  1. Repeated to the Ambassador in China as telegram No. 1696.↩
  2. Rear Adm. William Dudley Wright, Jr., Special Assistant to the Director General, Office of the Foreign Service, serving as Coordinator Philippine Rehabilitation Agencies; he was in Manila November 20–December 1, 1948.↩
  3. Not printed.↩