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

123 Stuart, J. Leighton: Telegram

The Consul General at Peiping (Clubb) to the Secretary of State

Peiping, July 18, 1949—noon.
[Received July 18—7:49 a. m.]

1189. RefDeptel 453, July 16.¹⁶ Matter taken up in brief yesterday with Joseph Chang¹⁷ with request he ascertain whether Chang Tung-sun, then in town, would be prepared communicate Communist authorities. Gave Chang 8 o’clock this morning memorandum making representations as outlined Depreftel but omitting, however, comments set forth penultimate paragraph. Father will act.

Chang informed me father and Lo Lung-chi¹⁸ when acquainted with matter yesterday gave two possible explanations: (1) Peiping Communist authorities were aware and approved requirement established re Ambassador’s travel possibly desiring delay his departure perhaps with idea communicating some message (see later message) or (2) Nanking authorities instructed and proceeding in manner unapproved by higher Communist authorities as I opined when I handed Chang memo was possible explanation.

Chang informed me he would probably be able report by 4 o’clock today whether communicated higher Communist authorities. Am withholding further action pending receipt that information.

Sent Department, repeated Nanking 843.

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Clubb

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16. This telegram repeated pertinent excerpts from telegram No. 833, July 15, 5 p.m., to the Ambassador in China, p. 787.
17. Son of Professor Chang Tung-sun of Yenching University, member of the Democratic League.
18. A leader of the Democratic League.