Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, The Far East: China, Volume VIII

125.9376/7–2749: Telegram

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

Tientsin, July 27, 1949—1 p. m.
[Received August 3—11:13 a. m.]

564. In connection recommendations our telegram 562, July 26,⁹⁷ following résumé of difficulties imposed this Consulate General by Communists which we feel we should not take without trying retaliate in order impress Communists with fact, although US Government has so far exercised forbearance, it not willing indefinitely turn other cheek:

1. Nearly half American personnel this office due home leave, but cannot be released until replacements arrive, which blocked by Communist refusal grant entry permits (see Peiping’s telegram 1145, July 9⁹⁸).

2. Brown’s agricultural reporting severely restricted by Communist refusal grant him permit travel Peiping although most other foreigners obtain such permits without undue trouble.

3. Communists close USIS, prevent courier service, tamper with our mail, impose duties on official supplies and personal importations staff on very limited items for which Communists grant import licenses, withhold permission our visit American vessels at Taku Bar on basis we not recognize them, yet continue let us perform services beneficial to them as certification invoices.

Smyth

97. Vol. ix, p. 952.
98. Not printed.