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

125.9533/12–1949: Telegram

The Second Secretary of Embassy in China (Bacon) to the Secretary of State

Nanking, December 19, 1949—4 p. m.
[Received December 19—6:30 a. m.]

2618. Deptel 1295, December 15.²⁶ On second try December 19 reached Hawthorne by phone at British ConGen. He said permits delayed because unable produce evidence 10 navy carbines used by former ConGen guards actually destroyed. Carbines in fact destroyed by burning stocks and dumping metal parts in ocean. Still expects early issuance permits. I informed him evacuation ship at Shanghai expected late this month and urged him use it as argument for prompt action. I asked whether he gets any news besides VOA and he abruptly and positively said “no”. I conclude Taipei broadcast not received.

ConGen personnel still living respective homes. All 4 well and request Department inform nearest relatives. Hawthorne will send progress reports even if negative every 3 or 4 days.

Sent Department 2618; Department pass Shanghai 1281, Taipei 109.

Bacon

26. Not printed.