124.936/7–2349: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 24—4:03 a. m.]
1596. Rumor circulating local Communists received instructions close all foreign transmitters Nanking. While we doubt reliability sources, such step would be logical successor closing “USIS Communist China and we feel probability after Ambassador departs China. Suggest therefore Department may wish consider policy toward FS establishments in China should their present community’s [communication] facilities all be denied them. We are unable to extend protection to Americans. We are hardly able to protect ourselves. Our only remaining function is that of reporting and should that be denied us there would appear to be no reason for our continued existence. We submit for Department’s consideration desirability in event of closure our transmitters, of prompt announcement of Department’s intention to withdraw its diplomatic and consular establishments (with possible exception Peiping) in Communist China because of denial of last facility for performing normal functions. In any event it would seem necessary precaution to undertake immediate consideration of understood plan between Department and various establishments involved in order that they may work conjointly once confidential communications are severed.
Sent Department, repeated OffEmb Canton 670, Shanghai 895.