125.9376/7–2349: Telegram
The Consul General at Tientsin (Smyth) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 23—5:41 p. m.]
538. Following is translation of text letter dated July 20 received today by USIS here from “Huang Ching, Director Military Control Committee for Tientsin, China People’s Liberation Army.”
“Inasmuch as the United States Information Service is part of the American State Department organization, and inasmuch as the People’s Government has no diplomatic and consular relations with the United States, the United States Information Service shall as of today cease its activities, including the publication and distribution of news service, the exhibition and free distribution of books and newspapers, the circulation and displaying of pictures, the showing of motion pictures, the holding of concerts and any other activities in contact with outside. Compliance is requested.”
In view above, USIS office here closed today.
Sent Department 538, repeated Nanking 301, Shanghai 356, Peiping 225, and OffEmb Canton.