123 Stuart, J. Leighton: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 15—5:45 a. m.]
1532. Embassy has already informed local Communist authorities details flight plans, including maps and E.T.D., of Air Attaché’s plane as far as Okinawa and we have every confidence Communist Armed Forces will be appropriately alerted. Air Attaché made successful test flight yesterday.
Air Attaché and I had considered possibility notifying Nationalist Government but had discarded it as unnecessary and even involving some security risk. However, in light recommendations in Deptel 828, July 14, agree appropriate to inform CAF at Canton and Taipei and request assurances safe conduct. We will not, however, delay trip for receipt such assurances.
Following for Clark and Edgar: Please inform appropriate authorities Headquarters CAF your post that I plan depart Nanking 0800 hours July 18 in American aircraft C–47. Course will be set from Nanking 96 degrees to 25 miles at sea for turning point to 137 degrees Naha, Okinawa, altitude 10,000. This course will take plane approximately 50 miles north Shanghai. Since delay obtaining exit permits myself and party now foreseen, possible plane may be delayed one or two days. Consequently appropriate Chinese Armed Forces should be alerted for 19th and 20th as well. We will communicate promptly any change above schedule.
Sent Department; repeated OffEmb Canton 642, Taipei 63.