124.93/11–2949: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Strong) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 29—9:37 a. m.]
Cantel 1314. TelCan 763, November 17. Apparent determination of nucleus of Chinese Government to move from place to place in West [Page 719] China during next few weeks would seem to rule out efforts for time being by this Embassy to remain with it on the spot.
We cannot predict whether, after West China phase is ended as far as maintenance of Government there is concerned, a legal regime will be installed in Kwangsi which may remain secure little longer than, for example, Hsichang, or whether Government will be based somewhere on Hainan, or at Taipei.
We also are unaware of Department’s thinking with regard to question of continuance of diplomatic relations with Chinese Government under various circumstances which may arise.
After discussion of the several possibilities with Rinden, I recommend with his concurrence that he be released from his temporary detail with Embassy. There is not sufficient worth-while work to keep two officers busy in Hong Kong, and it is my feeling that should Embassy at later date again follow Chinese Government one officer will be adequate to perform necessary functions, or, in event of a regime in Kwangsi or Hainan, a junior officer with special language qualifications might be detailed.
Inasmuch as O’Grady86 can obtain field cryptographic indoctrination at Hong Kong, Norton will proceed on home leave in near future.
- Walter J. O’Grady, clerk assigned to the Embassy office.↩