701.0093/4–2449: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Stuart)
518. Urtel 851, Apr 24. Dept has no strong opinion re line of conduct vis-à-vis local Chi authorities and wishes leave matter in ur discretion after consultation with Fon colleagues in order you may have freedom action if necessary establish common front with other Fon missions.
For your guidance this matter, Dept believes desirable Emb representative sent establish contact with ranking local Chi authorities shld be one of consular officers named Reftel, preferably Chi speaking, who wld make approach both in consular and diplomatic capacity. Apart from question recognition involved in contacts with local Chi authorities, pattern Commie takeover Peiping and Tientsin indicates likelihood initial approach by chiefs mission themselves or by high ranking diplomatic officer wld leave diplomatic missions open to rebuff and possible loss face through refusal permit Fon representatives see other than low ranking Commie officials. In any event, unless point is carefully and clearly made, Commie authorities unlikely understand distinction between diplomatic and consular functions officers serving Fon missions.