125.9531/10–2949: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul at Tsingtao (Hawthorne)
328. Urtel 594 October 29. Advise Commies that US, a sovereign nation, owns property, both moveable and immoveable, in full ownership and cannot recognize Commie claims thereto. State further that property acquired under surplus property agreement was acquired, under internatl agreement by the sovereign US, that properties so acquired are not subject to confiscation by Commies as acquisition was in accord with laws China and International Law and that US expects Commies to recognize our rights of ownership and that US will insist on receiving full compensation if these rights are not fully respected. Also advise Commies that departure Am personnel not to be considered abandonment since Brit have been requested handle US interests Tsingtao Cons Dist.
You may provide Commies with an inventory of property appending thereto a statement identifying the properties acquired under surplus property agreement. Send copies of such material to Dept and to Brit ConGen, Tsingtao and request him to deliver copy to Commies as representing US interests. Endeavor bring out copy.
Suggest you continue radio contact if this matter likely complicate your departure. Tell Dept when last message sent.