701.0093/8–1549: Telegram

The Counselor of Embassy in China ( Jones ) to the Secretary of State

1787. Most recent obstacle imposed by local Communists to establishment informal relations with de facto authorities is requirement that Embassy official when calling Alien Affairs Office described himself on appointment slip as either “official of former American Embassy” or as “foreign national”. As Department is aware, appointment slip must also describe purpose of visit which gives Communist official opportunity to be “busy” or “out” if it is subject he prefers not discuss. Coming at this relatively late date, after representatives various diplomatic missions fairly well-known at AA Office, this most recent effort to force local diplomats to disassociate themselves in writing from their repressentative capacities can only be considered further evidence that Communists have no intention relaxing their present policy of nonrecognition foreign representatives during interregnum.

Sent Department 1787; repeated OffEmb Canton 750, Shanghai 991.

Jones