124.93/11–1849: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Strong) to the Secretary of state
[Received 11:55 p. m.]
Cantel 1292. This morning we informed Chen Tai-chu, director American Department Foreign Office, decision leave for Hong Kong November 20, explaining we considered relatively same military situation had arisen here as at Canton at time Nanking fell; Communists about 4 days march or at most 2 days by truck from Chungking; whereas easy to evacuate Canton, several days required arrange leave Chungking and we did not wish get involved in last-minute rush.
Chen of course expressed regret at our decision, said Foreign Office and Government considered situation secure and had every intention give ample notice and facilities for departure (French Embassy representative here said Foreign Office today told him it unable arrange air passage to Hong Kong although he has orders return there). He said Government not considering next move yet because situation does not warrant.
In reply we stated we recognized Chungking might remain secure for additional period but elements of situation were such we felt obliged leave not from unfriendliness or desire affect Chinese Government adversely. We said we would keep contact with special commissioner of Foreign Office [in] Hong Kong and keep US Government informed of Chinese Government’s decision and subsequent developments which would have to determine our future course of action.
Chen said he sympathized with our viewpoint and hoped impression would be avoided that we no longer maintained relations with Chinese Government. We replied we could not set up formal office Hong Kong but would maintain informal contact.
With regard to British, Chen claimed very recent telegrams from Chinese Embassy indicated change on [in?] British attitude and British recognition of Communist regime in near future seemed very unlikely.