124.93/9–349: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Strong) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 3—2:14 p. m.]
Cantel 1064. Acting Foreign Minister today again guaranteed he would give 10 days’ notice prior to any move Nationalist Government from Canton. However, he added that it is not yet time for him even to begin thinking about giving such notice. (In this connection it was today noted that police guard on Shameen has been considerably augmented and for first time troops were seen drilling on the island.) Acting Foreign Minister expressed unhappiness that Embassy had not accepted his assurances of ample notice and stated that diplomatic representatives other smaller countries had been noticeably affected by our decision evacuate Canton.
He went on to effect that for foreign consumption it was important that Nationalist Government hold Canton area, it being their last major exit to sea, thus much more important than Szechuan. Government still intends move Chungking if necessary. He considers best answer Nationalist Government can give to White Paper76 will be securing Canton area against Communists.
- Department of State, United States Relations With China (Washington, Government Printing Office, 1949). For documentation on the subject of the “China White Paper”, see vol. ix, pp. 1365 ff.↩