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

893.00/1–1849: Telegram

The Consul General al Peiping (Clubb) to the Secretary of State

Peiping, January 18, 1949—5 p. m.
[Received 10:07 p. m.]

60. ReContel 54, January 18,⁴ paragraph 4. USIS⁵ Director Van Putten⁶ reports that during past 2 days persons well-known their office have voluntarily come forward and informed them confidentially that they know certainly there has been formed organization Peiping to commit certain acts damage to foreign property and violence on individuals in case of attack on Peiping. One of contemplated terroristic methods is use gasoline bombs. Those persons who have reasons be friendly USIS and are trusted by USIS have recommended warning foreigners this area take adequate measures self-protection. They mentioned particularly Van Putten and me as persons to whom harm might come.

As of possible significance this general connection, report that this office, earlier received from three different official quarters suggestion it might be better concentrate all Peiping Americans in Consular compound or ex-Legation quarter. Apart from nominal and possibly real intent these suggestions of assisting in providing protection foreigners, it is considered that incidental result any concentration Americans or other foreigners would be looting their property and occupation their premises. It would appear also possible however that some of those officials also are apprehensive of plans of Generalissimo’s⁷ special servicemen.

Suggest Embassy might find it desirable as measure precaution to (1) invite attention highest authority Nanking responsible for actions BIS⁸ special service personnel to Communist allegation (Contel 58, January 18⁹ for text) and, referring to American experience Mukden¹⁰ and Tientsin of discipline and general correctness Communist behavior, (2) point out that any untoward incidents involving terroristic acts committed against American nationals or property Peiping or Shanghai would in circumstances be unusually suspect, and (3) request special service organs in threatened points be strictly instructed to cooperate with local authorities to fullest to end that all possible and appropriate protection be accorded American lives and property.

If further developments make action appear needful, I propose, unless instructed otherwise, inform high local authorities I have received reports purporting to confirm Communist allegation and have appropriately informed by [my] Government.¹¹

Repeated Nanking 56, Shanghai 54.

Clubb

4. Not printed.
5. United States Information Service.
6. James D. van Putten, Consul at Peiping.
7. President Chiang Kai-shek.
8. Chinese Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (Security).
9. Not printed.
10. For documentation on this subject, see pp. 933 ff.
11. The Ambassador in China (Stuart) instructed the Consul General at Peiping in telegram No. 19 (No. 157 to the Department), January 20, 6 p. m.; “suggest you do not take action suggested your last paragraph until so instructed.”