124.93/8–1549: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Clark) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 16—7:09 a. m.]
Cantel 955. Communists have surrounded Kanhsien and some elements have moved eastward indicating possibility joining with Chen Yi armies for drive East River area where conflagration may resemble prairie fire. My military advisors tell me we would run unwarranted risk were we remain Canton more than 1 week from today. Accordingly, plan begin movement Embassy personnel to Dixie Hong Kong Friday, August 19, operations to be completed 20th (Cantel 938, August 13 [14], repeated Nanking 619, Hong Kong 41), synchronizing removal with Consulate General which will report its program in separate telegram.
Office will be kept open NCB Building Canton and members staff will commute daily maintain contact Nationalist Government. Final closure Embassy will be deferred until Government requests US move [Page 708] Chungking or elsewhere. Rumors have it, although confirmation lacking, request will be forthcoming next week.
Sent Department Cantel 955, repeated Nanking 629.