893.001/12–449: Telegram
The Vice Consul at Kunming (Lutkins) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 5—3:49 a. m.]
266. Lu Han told me in interview yesterday that he is under great pressure from local elements to leave Yunnan and allow them to surrender to Communists. He states he has refused to do so until situation becomes much worse.
He thought it highly unlikely that Kunming would be endangered within next 2 weeks and promised to give me 3 days’ notice if advisable for me to leave sooner than planned. Also promised to instruct trusted subordinates who will remain after he leaves to protect American and other foreign lives and property from looting or molestation during interim period before Communists’ arrival.