893.00/3–949: Telegram
The, Consul General at Peiping ( Clubb ) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 9—1:46 p. m]
375. Re Contel 350, March 3[4]. Correcting report contained reference Contel re movement foreigners Yenching, note Americans Yenching stated yesterday phone foreigners there not confined campus although it suggested to them they should not proceed west hills (Contel 201, February 19[9]), that restriction their moves due inability to date obtain passes for Peiping city gates but it is felt passes forthcoming near future.
Official Peiping police bureau called March 5 own volition, to inform passes for travel Peiping-Tientsin were obtainable that bureau by application 1 day in advance. Brown42 Tientsin stated by phone yesterday it; takes approximately 5 days to obtain passes Tientsin-Peiping (Brown’s own application now pending 5 days).
Above policeman also asked whether Consulate had recently been troubled by armed soldiers endeavoring enter compound or by persons [Page 1069] desiring borrow articles (well-known Communist habit which must be said usually followed by return articles borrowed). Suggest this apparent solicitude may be another indication changing Communist attitude respecting foreigners and particularly Consulates, Peiping.
Repeated Nanking, Shanghai and Canton.
- Willard O. Brown, Consul at Tientsin.↩