125.7146/4–149: Telegram
The Consul General at Peiping (Clubb) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 2—1:54 a. m.]
530. April 1, yesterday submitted to Foreign Nationals Affairs Office Peiping following application:
“Acting under instructions from the United States Government, I would request a meeting to discuss with appropriate high local authority questions pertaining to the American Consulate General located at Peiping.
“It is noted that unusual difficulties have developed as respects the performance by the American Consular offices in Peiping, Tientsin and Mukden of their official functions.
“It is earnestly hoped that the Chinese Communist authorities will promptly take appropriate steps to the end that American Consular establishments in the areas under their control shall be afforded normal facilities for carrying on their normal functions, those facilities [Page 1076] to include, as basic, the usual contacts with the local authorities in their consular districts, the postal and commercial telegraph facilities regularly accorded consular establishments for confidential communication with their own governments, banking channels for the transmittal of official funds, and facilities for official travel.
“It is emphasized that the United States Government is assured, on the basis of international law and practice, that the functioning of consular officials involves no question of legal recognition of governments. The Chinese Communist authorities will appreciate that the consular function is one with recognition and general acceptance in the international law and practice as having to do with promotion of general international trade and intercourse, but as being without reference to the question of recognition between states.
“Because of the circumstance that 2 months have already elapsed since the takeover by the Communist side of the administration of Peiping, but the position of the aforemention consular offices in relationship to the local authorities remains unsettled, it would be much appreciated if I could obtain an early interview with appropriate high local authority for a discussion of this matter in detail, to enable me to report appropriately to my government.”
Sent Nanking 331, Canton 37, Shanghai 371, Hong Kong. By mail to Tientsin.