Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, The Far East: China, Volume VIII

123 Stuart, J. Leighton: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Stuart)¹

Washington, July 14, 1949—1 p. m.

828. ReDeptel 820 July 12 rptd telCan 446. Presume Emb has given consideration possibility AirAtt² plane being intercepted en route Okinawa by CAF³ planes as well as possibility drawing ground fire from Chi Commie forces China mainland particularly if both sides given no prior info re flight plans. Dept recommends, therefore, Emb take steps through ConGens Shanghai and Taipei⁴ and OffEmb Canton to acquaint local Commie and Natl Govt auths re details ETD⁵ and route to be fol, requesting at same time safe passage for plane. Dept suggests such info might be transmitted local Commie auths without any indication passenger list or future flight plans plane after arrival Okinawa as being in accordance their instrs AirAtt plane depart China. Natl Govt auths shld be informed re further flight plans after plane reaches Okinawa. Clark, Edgar and Cabot shld be instructed, however, not prior Amb’s arrival Okinawa in any way give indication his plans visit Canton as disclosing such info if leaked to Commies might result in inability Amb and party depart Nanking.

Acheson

1. Repeated to the Minister-Counselor at Canton as telCan 451.
2. Air Attaché.
3. Chinese Air Force.
4. John M. Cabot, Consul General at Shanghai, and Donald D. Edgar, Consul at Taipei.
5. Estimated time of departure.