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

893.01/5–1449: Telegram

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

Nanking, May 14, 1949—5 p. m.
[Received May 14—9:09 a. m.]

1023. In light of probability last-ditch defense tactics between Generalissimo and Li factions at time of abandonment of Canton, might it not be most practical as well as politic to have OffEmb Canton withdraw to Hong Kong to await developments. (DeptelCan 160, May 10, repeated Nanking 57, Shanghai 895.) Could appropriately be explained we were awaiting accommodations new provisional capital. Sent Department 1023, repeated AmEmb Canton 415, Shanghai 573.

Stuart