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

125.455/9–149: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas)¹

Washington, September 1, 1949—7 p. m.

3161. If UK agrees request contained Deptel 3067 Aug: 26⁹⁹ pls ascertain soonest if FonOff objects immed release to press of fol:

“Dept State today announced Amer ConGen Hankow instructed close and withdraw all personnel and that staffs AmEmb Nanking and Amer ConGen Shanghai to be reduced about one-half. Reductions will be carried out when arrangements completed for transportation from China Amers and other foreigners who wish depart.

Decision take these actions based upon same factors which led decision close Amer ConGen Canton.²

Through generous agreement Brit Govt, custody US official property in areas China in which Amer con[sular] estab[lishment]s are closed will be assumed by local Brit Con, which will also extend to Amer cits same protection afforded Brit subjects. Local Amer communities will form committees with which Brit Con offices will deal in routine matters affecting Amer natls in order that added burdens imposed upon Brit officers will be no greater than necessary.

These arrangements already in effect Canton and Tihwa consular districts and will take effect Hankow district when Amer Con estab that city closed.

Shld other Amer Con estabs China be confronted by situation similar to that which led decision close Amer ConGen Canton, it expected such estabs will also be closed and custody US official property and protection Amer natls be assumed by local Brit Con.”⁴

Repeated Hankow for comment text and timing.⁵

Acheson

1. Repeated to the Consul General at Hankow as No. 77.
99. Not printed.
2. See telegram telCan No. 553, August 12, 3 p. m., to the Chargé in China, p. 1313.
4. In telegram No. 3547, September 2, 6 p. m., the Chargé in the United Kingdom stated: “Foreign Ornee has no objection immediate release of statement. Will be released also by Foreign Office as soon as news of release in US received on ticker.” (701.4193/9–249)
5. Telegram No. 315, September 7, 11 a. m., from the Consul General at Hankow, indicated no objection to statement for immediate release (125.455/9–49). Text was released to press on September 9; see Department of State Bulletin, September 19, 1949, p. 442.