125.7146/7–2049: Telegram
The Consul General at Peiping (Clubb) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 21—3:14 p. m.]
1214. ReContel 1200, July 19, Deptel 450, July 15.92 Peiping MCC messenger desired Van Putten sign receipt for message in private capacity. Van Putten insisted signing as USIS Director. This perhaps jeopardized Van Putten’s remaining Peiping.
In view express character order, no practical alternative to immediate cessation for present external activities USIS. Staff will continue for present with work at hand. USIS has been performing important social service Peiping, being only source for certain types academic cultural material. Will discuss matter with some person having contact with Communist side earliest opportunity but believe no useful purpose would be served by making local protest direct to Communist authorities on basis logical legal points set forth Depreftel. Note that Department release July 1893 indicates protest to be made Peiping re Shanghai, Hankow but Depreftel unspecific Peiping action. Please clarify in light present development.
Believe Communists propose use this and possible other measures (1) pressure USA into early de jure recognition after formation new government and concomitant withdrawal support to Nationalist Government and (2) in meantime, cut into American political, economic, social prestige and influences as deeply as possible for joint Sino-Soviet benefit.
Note that Communists might use “logic” adduced in the USIS order to close Consulate, when it might suit their convenience. Slow action re Mukden and reference “external activities” in MCC communication alike seem bear possible implication Communists prepared see such offices kept intact for possible use following hypothetical recognition even though all activities stopped for present.
Believe Peiping USIS employees who have been most loyal and efficient should be given every consideration. Note, however, that being placed on leave with pay status would inevitably consume terminal pay they would otherwise get and that when all leave taken problem [Page 1097] would probably still remain, since early favorable Communist action permitting reopening most unlikely. Staff can be continued on duty status for short period but note here that continuation their services for any considerable period after need therefore has ceased might establish precedent to which they could refer as basis for awkward demand they be continued in employment indefinitely. It might be best cut down to skeleton staff as soon as discussions completed, presumably fruitlessly, with assurances to employees they would be given preference if USIS able reopen. Believe serious consideration should be given matter early date.
British Council and Soviet VOKS94 reading room evidently unaffected.
This message prepared in consultation Van Putten, propose address any protest Yeh Chien-ying as director MCC.
Please instruct.
Sent Department; repeated Nanking 862, OffEmb Canton 231, Shanghai 814.