701.4193/2–1849: Telegram

The Ambassador in China ( Stuart ) to the Secretary of State

422. On call of French Ambassador as doyen, British, French, Canadian, Netherlands, Belgian Ambassadors and I met informally again February 16. British Ambassador accompanied by Lamb31 and I by Merchant.

Meeting obviously inspired by British Ambassador who launched carefully prepared argument designed to secure agreement all present that they should remain Nanking through take-over and shortly thereafter, having accomplished personally whatever possible to protect their national interests and citizens, be recalled by their governments for consultation.

Discussion following recommendation revealed high degree unanimity. I reserved, however, my position regarding possible move or character recommendations I might later make to Department on this subject.

I was interested to observe whereas French Ambassador personally sympathized British views expressed he made plain that, in light problem [Page 674] and contiguity of French Indochina, his Government held firmly to belief that Nationalist Government should be supported as long as it continued resistance to. Communists and that continued resistance if only for matter of months might be of unpredictable value.

Repeated OffEmb Canton 85.

Stuart
  1. Lionel H. Lamb, British Minister in China.