123 Stuart, J. Leighton: Telegram

The Minister-Counselor of Embassy in China ( Clark ) to the Secretary of State

Cantel 612. Agree that visit Ambassador [to] Canton en route Washington for consultation will excite speculation and misinterpretation (Department’s 705, June 16 to Nanking, telCan 342, Shanghai 1213). In answer to inquiry which have received from various Government sources, have invariably replied felt sure Ambassador would wish visit Canton but feared Communists might refuse him exit permit except on condition he proceed direct US. Regardless Communist attitude, believe disadvantages possible repercussions Ambassador’s visit here outweigh advantages conferring with me prior return Washington. From my telegrams he is aware trend my thinking. Also there is increasing evidence disintegration Kmt Government. By appointing Strong First Secretary and detailing him Chungking62 we will give Government great boost morale. For Ambassador come south would, I believe, be overdoing it.

Am inclined agree Department’s tentative view that in event simultaneous absence China [of] Ambassador and myself Strong should be appointed Chargé d’Affaires, Chungking. Both Soviet and Czech Missions in absence chiefs missions have appointed Canton representative Chargé and it may yet develop that both will move Chungking with Government. After all it will be Strong who will be representing US Government near Chinese Government and to let it be known that someone Nanking was assuming charge in absence Ambassador might lead embarrassing publicity as well as detract from gesture of support incident maintaining diplomatic contact Chungking.

Sent Department; repeated Nanking 409, Shanghai 348.

Clark
  1. See telegram telCan No. 315, June 10, p. 696.