125.0093/11–1549: Telegram
The Consul General at Peiping (Clubb) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 15—10:31 a. m.]
2001. ReContel 1976, November 10.32 In meeting Consuls yesterday note was taken of (1) movement local authorities against German property, and (2) inclusive in new proclamation re registration aliens real property reference to “public”.
Regulations still make no mention government property held by Soviet Government [in] Peiping. On their face they are applicable simply property “aliens”, and “public” might refer schools et cetera. It was, however, considered desirable by all concerned as certain course current developments re government property Shanghai, Nanking, Tientsin and at same time ask instructions our governments. It was considered possibly now desirable for purposes record send identic letters Chou En-lai33 stating that due note had been taken of regulations; that it appeared regulations were inapplicable government property but that if they were considered applicable, local authorities were informed that property located such and such address was property blank government with title determined by treaty, exchange of [Page 1114] notes, lease or title deed as ease might be. It was agreed this had best be done only in official capacity, that is, using official title in communication in order avoid embarrassment and possible attack on title which could follow our action in “unofficial” or private capacity.
It was agreed also that Communist action elsewhere would not necessarily be guide to action here. Nevertheless, request brief survey by Department of situation re position US Government property three above-mentioned posts. Please authorize likewise that I act at my discretion along lines indicated above. Please instruct particularly re title, deeds or treaties to be cited in our case. In this connection note report Miss Helen Popoff, long connected Legation, to effect that despite recent treaty provisions Government had actually purchased land on which Consulate situated.
Specifically, please authorize in case used, inclusion in any general address west Glacis abutting on ex-Marine compound (on basis prescriptive right and our possession building thereon).
Note French, British, Dutch in addressing their notes Chou all used his full title with identification “People’s Government China People’s Republic” arguing that they were technically safe in so doing since local regime was thus far differentiated from Nationalist Government. ReContel 1992, November 14,34 believe that my sole title “General” for Chou might have been used as technical justification for return notes and request instruction whether I authorized use same address and courtesy for him, particularly in present instance where I would use own title but also as general procedure.
Please instract priority.
Sent Department 2001; Department pass Shanghai 182; Tientsin 95; Nanking 1157.