125.633/4–1549: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Peiping (Clubb)
212. Unless some new development causes in your opinion objection thereto, Dept desires that you utilize channel in your judgment most suitable convey message along following lines to Commie authorities:
One month has now passed since I conveyed message on behalf my Gov’t respecting treatment accorded American consular officers, particularly at Mukden. No reply has been rec’d this message. Meanwhile indirect reports from Mukden state that American consular officers that city are confined to their compounds. Owing to blocking by Communist authorities for past 5 months of all communication with American ConGen Mukden it impossible confirm these reports or, if reports true, ascertain from ConGen reasons this extraordinary behavior Commie authorities. Blocking communications with Mukden in itself creates intolerable situation while reported confinement consular staff if true so clearly contrary universally accepted principles international comity that my Gov’t can no longer delay clarification situation. I am accordingly instructed by my Gov’t to state that unless Communist authorities are prepared promptly correct unsatisfactory situation Mukden and allow American consular officers there facilities universally recognized necessary proper to discharge their duties, American Gov’t will have no alternative but to withdraw them. I am further instructed to point out that, in China as elsewhere in world, only presence American consular officers free to discharge their duties responsibilities can in view my Gov’t provide services and safeguards essential to trade and commerce with US.
You may add that you have been requested to report to Dept re foregoing matter within next 2 weeks and that you would accordingly appreciate prompt consideration and reply.
In delivering foregoing you should follow procedure outlined Deptel 103 Mar 2.