701.0093/4–2549: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 25—10:47 a. m.]
864. At meeting of North Atlantic mission chiefs this afternoon I told them in confidence of my instructions to return to US for consultation after I had assured myself re American Consulates and communities. I told them that my most recent instruction gave me more latitude in time than I had originally understood (Deptel 515, April 23, repeated Canton Telcan 107, Shanghai 734.) British Ambassador said, in speaking for Commonwealth, that he attached greatest importance to unanimity of action of all powers represented at meeting, that he would regret action by any one country which would break this united front. The others agreed with him and it was decided that we would recommend to our governments that we should all take unanimous action with respect to Ambassadors remaining Nanking or returning home for consultation at appropriate time.
When pressed on his views on what position chiefs of mission should be, Stevenson said he felt Ambassadors should remain Nanking as [Page 687] long as necessary to complete their mission but this is not part of agreed recommendation.
Sent Department 864, repeated Embassy Canton 306, Shanghai 446.
[For further documentation on the continuance of Ambassador Stuart and the seat of the Embassy in China at Nanking, see pages 723 ff.]