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

119.2/12–1449: Telegram

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

Washington, December 28, 1949—1 p. m.

2490. Fol comments for ur background info only re statements made by Cheng Kang-chi concerning operation radio facilities for official purposes FonServ estab (urtel 5211 Dec 14).

Although Brit view use of transmitters by dipl estab as right inherent in dipl usage, US and many other govts do not take this position. Contrary Cheng’s opinion, not customary for Amer dipl and cons offices operate own transmitters. In few cases where they in use permission generally obtained with great difficulty and operations continue at sufferance fon govt. US Communications Act 1934⁶⁸ restricts licensing radio transmitters to US cits. Govt does not, therefore, permit ion embs Wash operate radio transmitters any sort. However, no prohibitions re use of receivers.

Acheson

68. Approved June 19, 1934; 48 Stat 1064.