Office of the Historian

125.9376/5–749: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Tientsin (Smyth)60

Washington, May 13, 1949—2 p. m.

98. Dept perceives no objection as general rule to Consuls in Commie areas addressing Commie authorities by letter signed either in personal capacity or over official title (urtel 292 May 7 repeated Nanking 183, Peiping 125), but such authorities shld be addressed personally by name without inclusion official titles. However Dept believes that where circumstances permit it preferable communicate by means memoranda (either unsigned, initialed, or signed with or without consular title) delivered appropriate Commie authorities by consular officers.

Acheson
  1. Repeated to the Consul General at Peiping as No. 278.↩