124.93/8–1449: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Clark) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 15—3:51 a. m.]
Cantel 938. Appreciate discretion Department re closure OffEmb Canton contained telCan 553, August 12.68 There has been slowdown [Page 707] in military advance and believe we will have longer period Canton than originally anticipated.
Discussed situation with Admiral Badger August 7 in Hong Kong and as result he is making available Hong Kong USS Dixie to house Embassy staff whenever I remove from Canton. Nationalist Government will have its personnel reduced to minimum by August 20 and ready for removal Chungking on very short notice. They have promised give me ample notice, yet local turnover or excitement of moment may not permit them do so.
Best military advice available indicated maximum 2 weeks likely elapse between fall either Hengyang or Kanhsien and fall Canton. There will always be danger of course overnight turnover Canton garrison as Communist troops approach city. Accordingly, I plan, unless Department directs contrary, to move personnel OffEmb Hong Kong aboard Dixie when either Kanhsien or Hengyang falls to Communists. Would plan commute daily Canton with nucleus staff, thus keeping OffEmb open and minimizing embarrassment Chinese Government. When Chinese Government finally requests we remove Chungking, I could merely cease coming Canton at that time. Sincerely hope Department will have ready instructions for me and staff avoiding prolonged stay Hong Kong (Cantel 919, August 1069).
Sent Department, repeated Nanking 619, Hong Kong 41.