893.76/5–1649: Telegram
The Consul General at Tientsin (Smyth) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 19—9:45 a. m.]
321. Burdett, British Consul General, tells me confidentially during past week Communists shown great interest opening radio with Hong Kong. Communists forced But[terfield and] Swire vessel in port last week to send number of commercial messages to Hong Kong Government radio but not known whether received or forwarded. Burdett reported details to his Embassy in code via our Peiping radio and matter probably discussed with our Embassy.
Burdett says few days ago, go-betweens for Communists asked him send message to Hong Kong Government urging it to agree maintain radio contact with Communist radio here. Burdett replied must take up with his Embassy and under present rules could only send in plain. Communists proposed he send message to Embassy in Communist military code which he agreed to do. I believe he was most unwise in agreeing send message in Communist code and feel he should have raised point sending in his code.
Question Communists communicating with outside via Hong Kong involves International Telecommunications Union to which British adhere. Suggest matter be discussed with British Government.
Recommend effort be made to establish more united front with British and other governments than heretofore ease. In appointed bank matter (see other telegrams) 2 British, 1 Belgian banks accepted appointments although American and French banks not appointed. Suggest before Shanghai falls some common action be decided on before question arises. Communists obviously trying play off British against us and seem to have succeeded somewhat.
Sent Department 321; repeated Nanking 202; Shanghai 224; Peiping 140 and Hong Kong.