893.01/10–2149: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Strong) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 21—7:25 a. m.]
Cantel 1216. British Consulate [Consul] General today called on Foreign Office to state he received authority from his government to “maintain official contact with Foreign Office but without diplomatic status”.
We inquired whether his successor, due to arrive shortly, would not have diplomatic status. Answer reluctantly given that successor would have consular status only but would maintain official contact with Foreign Office.
We have noted delay in arrival Chungking diplomatic representatives other governments, and reluctance Chinese Foreign Office to be specific as to which representatives have arranged to come and on which dates. Recent British actions on question recognition85 may be resulting in slower and more cautious approach by other governments of representation in Chungking.
- See memorandum of October 7, vol. ix, p. 108, and subsequent documents.↩