893.01/6–149: Telegram
The Minister-Counselor of Embassy in China (Clark) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 12—3:49 a. m.]
Cantel 567. Chief Protocol Section Foreign Office called this morning under instructions Acting Minister to say in confidence that all important Ministries are proceeding immediately to establish offices in Chungking against possibility government may be compelled evacuate Canton. Ministers themselves and senior subordinates would remain Canton for present, but alerted and ready depart Chungking on very short notice.
Dr. Wang conveyed request that I arrange accompany government should it move and offered transportation as well as services Foreign Office in locating housing Chungking. Restricted my comment to expressing regret situation had deteriorated so far arid promised report request Department for consideration.
Situation East River area continues deteriorate and preparations Communists Kiangsi for drive south continue with active operations on large scale expected almost any time. Reports indicate Pai Chung-hsi has insufficient money pay troops and is most discouraged. Also, in spite of reliable information previously given me to contrary, am now convinced Generalissimo has not released any his gold. Anticipate therefore final request move Chungking will likely be made early or middle July.
Sent Department, repeated Nanking 378.