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

124.936/12–3148: Telegram

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

Nanking, December 31, 1948—1 p.m.
[Received December 31—3:39 a.m.]

2673. [To Tsingtao:] Following gist of instructions sent Consulate General Shanghai recently by Department in reply request for Departmental guidance should political action by consular body during interregnum be considered (reurtel 420, December 29²⁹).

Participation by you in any action by consular body that would place US Government or its representatives in role of mediator or guarantor during turnover of city is inadvisable. Likewise you should refrain from participation in political action by consular body such as assumption responsibility. You may participate in action based humanitarian nonpolitical considerations with clear understanding such participation your part involves no political commitments or involvement US Government or you.

Military Attaché has no information now on National Army plans withdraw troops from Tsingtao.

Sent Tsingtao 253, repeated Department.

Stuart

29. Not found in Department files.