702.0093/11–2249: Telegram
The Consul General at Peiping (Clubb) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 23—12:29 a. m.]
2054. Consuls yesterday took note difficulties by report being experienced re registration government property Tientsin, agreed nevertheless letter in parallel terms should be sent Land Bureau without official signature but text making clear (1) properties involved appertained foreign governments, and (2) consuls acting in their capacities authorized agents “those governments were requesting instructions”. Dispatch letters being held up temporarily, probably until 25th.
This preliminary letter reply technically unessential, would be necessary only if it proved infeasible take first steps for application in prescribed procedure by November 30, but was felt desirable in order effect initial clarification matter. Personally feel Communist, bona fides undependable, and remarkable absence code law for use as reference, therefore consider due care should be taken avoid comprise [compromise?] our official character. Re Embtel 406, November 22,40 particularly feel strongly private Chinese seal should not be used because of implication (especially in Chinese eyes) action performed in other than official capacity.
Reiterate at this time strong belief in desirability maintenance united front here as elsewhere vis-à-vis Communists.
Sent Department 205; Department pass Nanking 1168, Shanghai 1206, Tientsin 100.
- Not printed.↩