893.01/5–2649: Telegram
The Minister-Counselor of Embassy in China (Clark) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 27—8:47 a. m.]
Cantel 477. Grateful Department tentative views contained TelCan 215, May 20; repeated Nanking 621, Shanghai 1015, re removal Government. Had already been casually canvassing colleagues on subject. British Ambassador has, subject Foreign Office approval, directed Counselor [at] Canton proceed Hong Hong at time Government moves and await developments there. Understand from President Li Tsung-jen that Soviet representative has orders return Moscow about June 1st. Czechoslovak representative confirms this and says Soviet Counselor will likely remain Canton await “liberation.” Czechoslovak instructions to follow Soviets. Position Netherlands representative complicated by concurrent position as ConGen Canton. He has tentative orders remain Canton but is requesting review. Canvass remaining members Diplomatic Corps indicates that those with instructions contemplate following US–UK lead and hope problem will not be made more difficult by differing action US, UK. French still hold to idea sending junior officer Chungking. Final decisions will of course be made respective Foreign Offices.
Believe British idea has merit and if situation develops as envisaged Cantel 404, May 18, it would be desirable that I be directed proceed Hong Kong with entire staff in order give Department time survey situation and make decision. If Department approves such action and can, through respective Foreign Offices, persuade UK, France do likewise, believe others, except Iron Curtain countries, will fall into line. Have discussed matter with Admiral Badger who will have US vessel in readiness Hong Kong accommodate personnel pending decision and onward transportation.
In response Department request suggesting strengthening representation Chungking, can only suggest that if services someone such as [Page 694] Ringwalt50 unavailable, then possibly Rice51 may be spared from Manila. Understand he has required qualifications. Millet52 should be available that time replace Rice if felt necessary.
Agree desirability immediate transfer person chosen as seems inevitable at least portion Government will move Szechuan when Canton seriously threatened. (In this connection and tending confirm my belief Taipei should also be strengthened is word from unimpeachable source that bulk Foreign Office archives are being shipped Taipei.) Chungking could be further strengthened by transfer from Embassy of cryptographic personnel to be chosen from those available at time. We are having difficulty this regard Canton as most assignees seem to resign when confronted with prospects [of leaving?] Canton. Re Taipei, see Cantel 417, May 19.53
Sent Department; repeated Nanking 328, Shanghai 281.
- Arthur R. Ringwalt, former Chief of the Division of Chinese Affairs, on detail to the Naval War College.↩
- Edward E. Rice, former Assistant Chief of the Division of Chinese Affairs, Consul at Manila.↩
- Charles S. Millet, Consul at Shanghai.↩
- Not printed; it concerned reassignment of personnel to Chungking and Taipei (125.925/5–1949)↩