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

702.4193/10–1649: Telegram

The Consul at Tsingtao (Hawthorne) to the Secretary of State

Tsingtao, October 16, 1949—2 p. m.
[Received October 16—3:14 a. m.]

570. ReDeptel circular 46, October 14.¹⁵ Consulate General by informal memo October 15 informed Communists of closure Consulate that date and of handing over to British. Memo returned with oral statement it unacceptable (1) because Communist government affords protection foreign property and nationals and (2) other is no recognized British representative.

Nevertheless, shall try complete turnover British and laying off staff soon as replies mytels 537 and 546¹⁶ received.

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Hawthorne

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15. For circular telegram of October 13, 8 p. m., see p. 1323.
16. Neither printed.