125.6336/3–949: Telegram
The Consul General at Hong Kong (Hopper) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 10—12:12 a. m.]
86. Commies 8th informed Consulate their regulations do not permit official contact with American Government officials owing absence recognition, and senior Commie thus unable meet me (Deptel 118, March 2, repeated Peiping 103, Nanking 285, Canton 96, Shanghai 390).
As matter has been under negotiation with Chiao Mu since receipt reftel March 4, Consulate today delivering memo containing Department’s message to Chiao Mu, claims authority maintain informal contact with US Consular officials as local head New China News Agency, with request he deliver memo to most senior local Commie.
Commie refusal seemed probably due standing instructions forbidding contacts; on recognition excuse specious and premature in view non-establishment Commie national government, but probably accurately reflects official Commie policy. Chiao Mu received [no?] hint contents memo during negotiations, but showed great curiosity.
Sent Department 86, repeated Nanking 20, Embassy Canton 6, Shanghai 25, Peiping unnumbered, Nanking pass addressees from Hong Kong.