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

119.2/10–2949: Telegram

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

Nanking, October 29, 1949—noon.
[Received October 29—4:15 a. m.]

2330. British Consulate Tihwa has advised British Embassy [that] Sinkiang Provincial Government requests use Tihwa American Consulate radio equipment. Consulate recommends acquiescence subject detailed listing each item with official receipt from authorities and asks for instructions. British Embassy has asked Foreign Office to approach Department to ascertain wishes. We assume custody this equipment given British subject restrictions similar Depcirtel September 14, paragraph 4M.⁶⁶ This move on part provincial authorities characteristic Communist policy of taking without giving. We further consider fallacious to hope that compliance would extend life USIS network Communist China. On contrary surrender Tihwa equipment because unused might suggest to Communists that all USIS radio equipment could be taken over by simple expedient closing down remaining stations.

Bacon

66. Circular telegram of September 14, 7 a. m., not printed; paragraph IV (M) stated: “Maintain radio contact till departure. Destruction radio equip then authorized or turn over Brit contingent their agreeing not allow equip fall into Commie hands intact”