Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, The Far East: China, Volume VIII

123 Ward, Angus I.: Telegram

The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the Secretary of State

London, November 21, 1949—5 p. m.
[Received November 21—1:51 p. m.]

4636. Personal message from Secretary to Foreign Minister⁷¹ (Deptcirctel November 18, 10 a. m.) re ConGen Mukden, presented Scarlett⁷² head Far East Department, this afternoon. He was orally informed substance antepenultimate paragraph reftel.

Scarlett stated Foreign Office on 19 had sent instruction British Embassy, Nanking, (a) pointing out seriousness with which British Government regards treatment ConGen Mukden, (b) indicating what is happening to US officials today may happen to UK officials tomorrow and (c) directing appropriate representations on behalf Ward be made to Communist authorities whether at Nanking or at Peiping at discretion British Embassy.

Foreign Office now telegraphing British Embassy withhold action pending receipt detailed instructions based on Secretary’s message.

Douglas

71. Ernest Bevin, British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
72. Peter W. S. Scarlett.