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

125.8576/7–1549: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Shanghai (Cabot)¹⁶

Washington, July 15, 1949—7 p. m.

1420. Dept gravely concerned implications closure orders (urtel 2775, July 15, Hankow’s 210, July 15¹⁷), singling out one function consular estab for intimidation tactics. Compliance will seriously weaken USIE¹⁸ position vis-à-vis Soviet satellites worldwide. Dept, however, recognizes primary importance affording physical protection staff and avoiding possible incident. Dept therefore authorizes Consul General determine whether USIE activities shld in view local conditions and consideration staff safety be immed suspended and act accordingly, granting local staff leave with pay until situation clarifies.

Any case Dept recommends protest to Communist auths grounds (1) USIE activities integral part consular estab, (2) this principle recognized worldwide including USSR, (3) (if facts warrant) discrimination against US info activities. Consultation and coordination with British at Shanghai discretionary.

Dept will entertain favorably mission’s recommendations transfer USIE locals and Amers other posts. Asks ConGen’s recommendations re Dept statement and VOA publicity on matter.

Acheson

16. Repeated to the Consuls General at Hankow and Peiping as Nos 42 and 450, respectively.
17. For latter, see p. 1132.
18. United States Information and Educational Exchange Program.