125.7146/5–1849: Telegram
The Consul General at Peiping (Clubb) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 19—8:48 a. m.]
896. ReDeptel 278, May 13.63 Respectfully invite attention Department to practical objections to rule that Communist authorities should be addressed by letter if at all only personally by name without inclusion official titles; (1) Letters exchanged between American and Communist side under present conditions where personal contacts absent would lose effectiveness where effectiveness already lacking in large degree in so far as title omitted by either side, (2) Communist organs Peiping have consistently emphasized necessity use Chinese at least as accompanying translation for written matters and elimination from [Page 1085] text of all reference to official position or title would in Chinese letter give impression either disesteem or calculated rudeness and (3) that approach would be particularly incongruous where efforts consular officials recent months have been to get Communists acquiesce in Consuls’ acting in full official capacity. Addressing either civil or military along lines reftel would probably prove less effective even than would otherwise be case.
Disadvantages which would follow adoption indicated procedure seem to promise no commensurate return or advantage. Noting Department indication that it is considered preferable communicate by means memo delivered appropriate Communist authorities, would note that experience Peiping has been that appropriate Communist authorities actually unapproachable. Effective delivery other than communication in letter form for present infeasible. Memo it is true can be given Aliens Affairs Office which has however proved only ineffective and unhelpful in respect to all matters concerning official functions consular officers.
For effective representations about matters such as position Embassy, Nanking (Contel 718, April 2764) and Consulate, Mukden (Contel 735, April 3065) representation should naturally be made either to highest Communist military level or highest level local authorities. Note American legal position during period Jap occupation North China was that consular officers might properly have contacts and negotiate with local authorities for performance their legitimate functions. By international law use of official titles of local or military officials would not in any event suggest recognition. Note further that with expanding control China it is desirable set up now system which will most effectively serve purpose providing communications channel with Communists for months ahead.
Believe adoption of policy handling matters on local de facto basis would be most suitable to both practical and legal requirements.
Sent Department; repeated Nanking 553, OffEmb Canton 124.