124.93/6–1049: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister-Counselor of Embassy in China (Clark), at Canton
TelCan 315. ReCantel 512, June 1, rptd Nanking 349, Shanghai 300. On effective withdrawal Chi Govt from Canton, you are instructed close Emb Off Canton and proceed with staff to Hong Kong under emergency evacuation orders to await further instructions re disposition staff (i.e., transfer or stat leave orders). This connection, Dept considering assignments suggested Cantel 417, May 19,54 re strengthening staffs Taipei and Chungking.
While Dept appreciates probability any move Chi Govt to Chungking would as stated reftel be “mere fagade of senior Ministers with no real support”, Dept of opinion withdrawal contact with Chi Govt on diplomatic level wld be undesirable. Dept therefore assigning Strong55 to Off Emb as First Secretary detailed to Chungking. Strong will not have dual status Chungking and will not therefore assume charge of ConGen. McGeary56 will continue temporarily in charge but shld function under general supervision Strong in matters of policy. Strong shld occupy ConGen’s residence in capacity senior Amer official Chungking. Dept desires Strong proceed immed to Canton for brief period consultation with Clark prior continuing to Chungking, but authorizes family proceed Chungking direct under emergency evacuation orders issued by Off Emb if considered advisable. Canton shld instruct Strong and inform Chungking. (Depending on local circumstances and availability transportation, Emb Off might wish authorize Strong accompany family Chungking in order arrange accommodations returning to Canton for period consultation.) Orders transferring Strong to Off Emb will be issued within week.
[Page 697]You are authorized inform at such time as you deem desirable concerned Fon Reps with whom you have been discussing matter of US plans continue diplomatic contact with Chi Govt through Strong and endeavor encourage similar action on part other Fon powers.