Office of the Historian

893.01/6–2249: Circular telegram

The Secretary of State to Certain Diplomatic and Consular Offices 63

Washington, June 22, 1949—4 a. m.

Fol for your background info:

(1)
Original decision leave Amb Nanking and estab Off of Emb Canton under Min Coun was preceded by full discussion among Chiefs of Mission Nanking except Sovs and satellites and reflected general policy evolved during discussions to leave Chiefs of Mission Nanking and send ranking subordinate Canton. Shortly prior fall Nanking to Commies, Dept instructed Amb to return Washington for consultation at some future date after he had assured himself safety well-being Amer citizens lower Yangtze valley area. No date has been set for Amb’s return to US on consultation which may be timed coincide with completion withdrawal Amer staff Mukden.
(2)
Chi Govt now making active plans removal Canton to Chungking but all evidence indicates move will involve mere fagade senior Mins without real support. Furthermore, no indication disappearance rift between Li Tsung-jen and Gimo factions. Consequently when Govt moves Chungking Min Coun now in charge Off Emb Canton will close office, withdraw with staff to Hong Kong while contact on dipl level with Govt at Chungking will be maintained through First Secy detailed Chungking for that purpose. Similar steps contemplated by most other dipl missions Canton with exception USSR and satellites whose plans unknown.
(3)
Although Chinese Communists have not yet established regime purporting be Central Govt China, discussions and exchanges of views respecting recognition such regime if and when established have been taking place among non-Commie powers with dipl representation China. Our view which has obtained general support other powers during these discussions is (1) that concerned powers should not evidence eagerness extend recognition but that initiative this respect shld be left to Commies and (2) that countries having similar interests in China shld work out common course of action respecting recognition, commerce and protection interests guarding against efforts Commies play one country off against another to ultimate detriment all.

Sent to all China posts.

Acheson
  1. Sent to the Embassy in China and Consular posts at Canton, Chungking, Dairen, Hankow, Hong Kong, Kunming, Peiping, Shanghai, Taipei, Tientsin, Tihwa, and Tsingtao.↩