893.01/12–249: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Strong) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 2—1:47 p. m.]
Cantel 1318. Foreign Office protocol chief [who] recently arrived Hong Kong declares belief widespread among responsible officers of Chinese Government that government should remain on mainland as long as possible. Although he questions whether government will retreat to Hsichang when Chengtu untenable he claims Premier Yen determined remain on continent. Source declares Yen recently declared occupation of Taiwan by Chinese Government was most unfortunate event of postwar period in that it diverted thought and effort from mainland and created “island bastion” outlook. We may therefore see an attempt to keep a corner of mainland such as Luichow Peninsula, [Page 618] with its relatively narrow neck as main defense line, as haven for government. We question whether Pai Chung-hsi can long hold Nanning.
Source also stated Executive Yuan did not organize move to Chengtu but each ministry or other organ “scrambled” for itself. Only with greatest difficulty did he finally charter plane to bring French, Italian and Korean diplomats to Hong Kong. He congratulated US Embassy for leaving when it did, on its own means of transportation.
Sent Department Cantel 1318, repeated Taipei 230, Hong Kong by hand.