Office of the Historian

124.931/7–2349: Telegram

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

Nanking, July 23, 1949—1 p. m.
[Received July 23—6:42 a. m.]

1590. Afternoon of fire (see Embtel 1585, July 22 to Department, repeated Canton 664, Shanghai 88728) in Service Attaché’s compound (adjoining mine) Huang Hua telephoned to inquire of my safety and to assure me that he had ordered all fire fighting equipment Nanking to scene to prevent fire spreading my compound. At same time [Page 797] he referred my departure and gave us to understand that Bureau Public Safety had been unduly zealous; that some of its requirements had been included on exit permit form without knowledge Aliens Affairs Bureau. He suggested we call Public Safety Bureau next day and that he would have ground prepared for our reception and early solution our problems. Yesterday morning Air Attaché and Embassy Officer called Public Safety Bureau and received following assurances:

(1)
Official and personal mail would not be subjected to inspection.
(2)
My baggage exempted from inspection but this not applicable to other members of party (we do not object to this procedure).
(3)
Exit permit Ambassador not required bear “shop guarantee”.

However all other exit permits were returned to Embassy Officer with statement that “shop guarantees” were required of them and that their forms were therefore not complete.

Fugh attempted all afternoon yesterday to communicate with Huang Hua without success. We wish to ascertain if Public Safety Bureau had not understood Huang’s instructions or if, as is probably case, only I am to be exempted from “shop guarantee” requirement. We will inform Department promptly when position Director Alien Affairs Office is clarified. However, since appears Communist authorities remaining adamant on “shop guarantee” requirement for members my party (all entitled to diplomatic immunity), I would be grateful for Department’s guidance on course of action to follow. (Deptel 833, July 15).

Sent Department, repeated Canton 666, Shanghai 890.

Stuart
  1. Not printed; the Embassy repeated a Nanking newspaper story of a fire on the Embassy premises (124.931/7–2249).↩