893.01/6–2849: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 28—8:56 a. m.]
1396. Cantel 596, June 16,64 repeated Nanking 398, strengthens my conviction that we should not emphasize relations at diplomatic level with Nationalist Government after it is forced to move from Canton. Inference drawn from reference telegram is that as disintegration Nationalist Government continues, there will be less apparent reason for it to move Chungking en route Taiwan. We should look carefully at what portions of Government go to Chungking eventually before sending diplomatic representative there. I again recommend Department’s consideration mytel 1321, June 18 to Department, repeated Canton 549, suggesting consular officer in charge Chungking be given diplomatic status if and when Nationalist Government moves Chungking. This same device would then be useful Taiwan when Government eventually moves there. Emphasis would thus be on consular establishments in Chungking and Taipei and would not have appearance of US diplomatic representative “following” Government from one post to another. This also seems to be position generally of other diplomatic missions here.
Sent Department 1396, repeated Embassy Canton 592.