893.01/6–1549: Telegram
The Minister-Counselor of Embassy in China (Clark) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 15—8:20 a. m.]
Cantel 592. Called informal meeting North Atlantic group yesterday to reconsider representation near Nationalist Government (TelCan 315, June 10, repeated Nanking 687, Shanghai 1169). Representatives Britain, France, Netherlands, Italy, Portugal attended. All were so enthusiastic at idea sending subordinate diplomatic officers to maintain contact Nationalist Government as to lead to believe they had gone along with previous idea almost solely so as to stay in step with US. Each anticipates some technical difficulty in securing qualified personnel and Netherlands representative feared his Ambassador would remain adamant that Nationalist Government was not worth following, but all agreed recommend strongly following our line. Will mention matter informally to other inquiring colleagues and feel sure our lead will be followed by most. Question advisability discussing matter with Soviets and am not doing so.
My plan is next few days inform Foreign Office that in response its informal request regarding Chungking, Cantel 567, June 11, repeated Nanking 378, we are sending officer Embassy Chungking to look around and make arrangements against possibility Government may move there.
Under emergency evacuation orders, am directing Strong proceed Chungking with family soon as transportation available, anticipate around June 20, and will direct him return Canton for consultation later. He has already spent 1 day with me in Canton and if things develop too quickly for him return for further consultation, no great harm will be done.
Sent Department Cantel 592, repeated Nanking 395, Shanghai 337.