123 Stuart, J. Leighton: Telegram

The Ambassador in China ( Stuart ) to the Secretary of State

1241. In recent conversation with Huang Hua I was pressed for definite details regarding my departure for consultation including date. Huang referred several times to July 1 which was date I had tentatively mentioned on our first meeting. I avoided direct answers by replying that my departure was closely related to progress negotiations for closing Mukden Consulate General.49 However, since permission to repair Air Attaché plane here, in which I hope to exit, is related in Communist minds to date my departure, it would be useful if I could receive Department’s confirmation its instructions for me to proceed US consultation within next 30 days (see Deptel 513, April 23, repeated Canton 10650).

In preparation for departure it would be convenient to have some idea Department’s intentions my future. Dept will doubtless be informed recent exchange views between my British colleague and his Foreign Office to effect once Chief of Mission leaves here he or his successor should not return until prospective Chinese Govt will have been formally recognized. Logic of this is irrefutable, yet in my special case I am of opinion that if I can be of any further service my Government it will be by returning here after sufficient period Washington. If Department agrees, perhaps some formula could be worked out for my return without violating international proprieties.

My reasons for desiring return are indicated in recent Peiping and Nanking telegrams regarding internal conditions CCP together with my belief liberals within or without Kmt are ready in large numbers to associate themselves with new regime if it can be persuaded to take more independent nationalistic as against pro-Soviet line. Am convinced our own most hopeful policy lies in this direction. In view of artificially inflamed anti-American feeling, my continuing presence here has also certain symbolic value.

Related to this question of course is future remaining Embassy staff Nanking (see Embtel 1115, May 2551) and whether Department desires maintain office of Embassy in Nanking after my departure or to reduce it to status and size of consulate.

Repeated OffEmb Canton 513.

Stuart
  1. For documentation on this subject, see pp. 933 ff.
  2. Ante, p. 683.
  3. Ante, p. 692.