123 Stuart, J. Leighton: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 21—1:09 p. m.]
1571. I regret publicity US “shop guarantee” question and agree that premature release our difficulties exit permits may make solution more difficult (Deptel 1428 to Shanghai July 18, repeated Nanking 843, Canton 463, Taipei 187 and Embtel 1537, July 16 to Department, repeated Canton 645, Taipei 64). When New York Times’ string man Nanking called Embassy July 20, he already had full story my difficulties “shop guarantees”. We were noncommittal. Explained for his background information that it was unwise to give any publicity to present negotiations for my departure which might have adverse effect upon Communist authorities. All we could say for his use was that my plans to depart were proceeding and that there was no ETD as yet. I can only assume local New York Times’ correspondent obtained his information from other Embassy. Last week I had several small informal conferences with my diplomatic colleagues to say farewell. Because of their obvious interest in details of my departure, I felt it only fair to advise them of Communists’ requirements and of progress on my negotiations to reach satisfactory conclusion. I assume that this confidence was not respected in all instances.
We are waiting from day to day for call from Aliens Affairs Office regarding our exit permits. Apparently no new instructions have been received from Peiping (see Peiping’s telegram 853, July 20 to Nanking, repeated Department 1204,26 Shanghai 813). I feel we should not display too much impatience as evidence to Communists of our weakening over question of “shop guarantees”, other immunities connected with my departure. Obviously however delay cannot be permitted to drag on indefinitely and Department may wish prepare statement for release to press when we here feel that no advantage to further waiting or if negative instructions from Peiping received. I would suggest that any release state obvious; that despite absence diplomatic relations, one right which we all possess, and which should be beyond question, is our right to leave in same manner that we entered China.
Before making release Department may wish to inform Embassies other foreign governments having representation Nanking with suggestion those governments may themselves wish to take official [Page 796] cognizance this denial most fundamental right of exit to foreign representative sovereign state.
Repeated Canton 660, Shanghai 881, Taipei 67.
- July 21, 9 a. m., supra.↩