125.633/12–249: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Tientsin (Smyth)
Washington, December
2, 1949—7 p. m.
448. Re impending departure Mukden staff:
- 1.
- Pacific Far East Line whose Tientsin agent is Oriental Shipping Agency, 20 Harbin Road, First Area, Tientsin, has two ships calling Taku Bar as fol: Joplin Victory Dec 5–7 and Lakeland Victory Dec [Page 1034] 9–11. This co extremely cooperative and has already wired Tientsin agent accommodate any or all Mukden staff aboard either or both ships. Each ship has regular accommodations for 12 passengers but will make room for more. Both ships will proceed from Taku to Yokohama or direct to US depending on wishes Ward and staff. Pls arrange with local agent accordingly. Ward and staff onward transportation from Japan by regular passenger liner or air of course authorized. Ward authorized by previous tels to evacuate 6 alien employees and dependents to Hong Kong, Tokyo, or other nearby posts.
- 2.
- Physical condition Ward and others may require medical treatment Tientsin. On other hand may find it more desirable obtain treatment and thorough medical check-up Tokyo or even US. This decision entirely Ward’s. Pls advise Dept soonest so appropriate arrangements can be made beyond Tientsin.
- 3.
- Re publicity, Dept proposes have Ward speak freely to press after leaving Commie China, as was case with Dairen staff. This connection pls have Ward summarize and transmit Dept by conf tel brief summary highlights experience Mukden since Nov 18, 1948. Dept will then tel comments and instrs to first con office he will reach after departing Tientsin. He shld await these instrs before giving interviews to press.
In view frequent delay communications with Tientsin, ConGen given wide discretionary auth take whatever action necess in line foregoing. Pls keep Dept fully informed.
Acheson