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

893.00/12–649: Telegram

The Vice Consul at Kunming (Lutkins) to the Secretary of State

Kunming, December 6, 1949—10 a. m.
[Received December 7—6:54 a. m.]

269. Spokesman Yunnanese group called again today. Stated declaration Yunnanese independence being seriously considered despite response Deptels 127 and 131.³ Said chief headache was financial problem. Asked whether I thought United States Government might buy Yunnanese opium for medical use. I told him I thought this most unlikely. He asked whether I thought United States aid might be forthcoming after Yunnanese independence declared. I replied this also seemed highly improbable in view reference Deptels.

In spite of unreceptive United States Government attitude, I consider it quite possible that Yunnanese independence may be declared within next 10 days.

Sent Department 269. Department pass OffEmb Hong Kong telCan 101.

Lutkins

3. November 22, 7 p.m., and November 30, 7 p. m., pp. 604 and 616, respectively.