125.267/7–2949: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Minister-Counselor of Embassy in China (Clark), at Canton

TelCan 510. Rankin6 was informed before his departure that Dept wld entertain and give full consideration to recommendation of closing ConGen Canton just prior to Commie takeover if facts justified it and that in any case he should have in mind reduction of his staff since ConGen activities including passport and visa services will no doubt be drastically curtailed.

What is your estimate of number of non-official Amers who will remain and importance of their interests involved? What is your recommendation in light of your Cantel 845, Jul 28,7 having in mind extent to which ConGen Hong Kong can provide certain essential services?

Acheson
  1. Karl L. Rankin, assigned as Consul General at Canton.
  2. Vol. ix, p. 1277.