123 Stuart, J. Leighton: Telegram

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

705. Reurtel 1241, June 8. Dept of opinion suitable time for your return Washington on consultation wld be when satisfactory withdrawal staff Mukden ConGen effected. Particularly since you have in conversation with Huang Hua related ur departure with closing Mukden ConGen, earlier departure might indicate to Commies US not primarily concerned with evacuation Mukden staff and might result in further delaying their withdrawal. Dept approves ur utilizing Attaché plane for departure China but desires you change to commercial [Page 759] flight or MATS54 on reaching first transfer point (e.g. Okinawa). As you undoubtedly aware, news correspondents will make every endeavor obtain statement from you at first point outside China and en route Washington. Suggested this regard you follow time-tested formula of informing correspondents you are proceeding to Washington to make report to SecState and can give no info or statement prior submitting report.

While there wld be obvious usefulness ur conferring with Clark Canton prior ur return Washington, Dept of opinion such visit necessitating calls Acting Pres Li and other high Chi officials wld excite speculation and misinterpretation. Having in mind possible repercussions such visit (including possibility Commies might block ur return China in any capacity), Dept wld appreciate ur comments and those of Clark re desirability such visit.

Re question future plans for you subsequent consultation, decision this matter will be reached by President in consultation with Secy Acheson and must therefore wait until Secy’s return from Paris. Dept, however, very appreciative ur willingness continue serving in capacity you have so ably filled; for its part doubts whether feasible you return China in capacity Amb as long as Chi Commie regime unrecognized.

Re remaining Emb staff Nanking, Dept no present intention of reducing office to status or size consulate on ur departure for Washington. Emb shld continue functioning as at present under direction Counselor Jones who will assume charge, while Clark will be appointed Chargé d’Affaires in Canton. Dept’s tentative view is that on departure from Canton of Clark (telCan 315, June 1055), Strong56 wld be apptd Chargé d’Affaires in Chungking.

Dept has recd no info re plans other major powers to recall ambassadors for consultation (reDeptel 510, Apr 2257). Pls report present status their plans this regard.

Dept shld be consulted re exact date ur intended departure before plans finalized.

Webb
  1. Military Air Transport Service.
  2. Ante, p. 696.
  3. Robert C. Strong, First Secretary of Embassy.
  4. Ante, p. 682.