893.00/2–449: Telegram

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

177. ReContel 176, February 3.23 Foreign Consuls [at] Peiping exchanged views February 2 general subject calling on new mayor.24 French Consul said he proposed call on Yeh Chien-ying soon, being under instructions particularly from his government early invite attention Communist authorities desirability foreign Consuls [at] Tientsin and Mukden be given facilities contact their governments. British, Dutch, Belgian, Italian representatives indicated they wished consider matter further before acting (at time discussion, still unknown whether Yeh had formally assumed duties mayor). Soviet Consul said he would have to await instructions from Embassy before taking action.

There was ruled out from beginning of discussion any project for joint action re matter meeting being for sole purpose exchange views. I stated my position as being: (1) I would assume local authorities would accord us rights and privileges in accordance international law and practice until discovered otherwise; (2) my function was to protect American lives and property and I was expected maintain with local authorities such contacts as necessary for effective fulfillment my [Page 1058] functions; (3) if new mayor took up post I should, in due course, offer pay courtesy call; (4) functions consular officer unconnected in international law with question recognition.

It now appears Yeh has assumed duties as mayor. In practice Communist representatives, as previously reported, proving very elusive but French Consul and I yesterday indirectly requested to call on Yeh his convenience. Dutch did same today.

Assistant Military Attaché Barrett25 well acquainted new mayor and propose when and if I see Yeh to approach him re meeting Barrett and Assistant ALUSNA Williams26 informally.27

Sent Department, Nanking 149, Shanghai 151.

Clubb
  1. Not printed.
  2. General Yeh Chien-ying.
  3. Col. David D. Barrett
  4. Lt. Thomas E. Williams, Assistant Naval Attaché and Assistant Naval Attaché for Air.
  5. The Consul General at Peiping stated in his telegram No. 215, February 10, 5 p. m. to the Department: “French Consul and I were informed by intermediary February 8 that Yeh Chien-ying desired we postpone calls for present (Contel 149 February 4) since arrangements not complete. In communication to French Consul ‘technical difficulties’ were mentioned.”