701.5193/8–2749: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in China (Jones) to the Secretary of State
Nanking, August 27,
1949—noon.
[Received August 28—2:50 a. m.]
[Received August 28—2:50 a. m.]
1913. In informing heads of mission of Department’s plans to drastically reduce Embassy office Nanking (Deptel 1009, August 24), fol lowing information re their plans of interest:
- (1)
- French Ambassador64 presently Shanghai has been recalled Paris for consultation. He plans return Nanking for brief period prior departing China. He hopes depart before formation new government Peiping. Method of exit not yet arranged but Embassy hopes French boat may be permitted enter Shanghai. He will leave Embassy Nanking in charge of counselor with staff approximately seven officers and seven clerks (exclusive Service Attaché Staff).
- (2)
- British Ambassador still plans leave China after fall Canton and before formation new government. Understood he plans exit by British naval vessel waiting outside territorial waters which can be reached by small British river launch from Shanghai. Ministry Council [Minister Counselor?]65 has arranged for exit visa and hopes to depart Gordon. British Embassy will not be further reduced according to Stevenson who would like to keep it “intact for move to Peiping”. After departure of Stevenson and Lamb, First Secretary will be in charge and officer complement will be approximately seven (exclusive of service attachés).
- (3)
- Canadian Ambassador has reservation on Gordon to return home. He plans recommend withdrawal entire staff in Nanking, Military Attaché, leaving local interests property in care of Canadian Consulate General, Shanghai. Davis has likewise recommended Canadian Consulate General, Shanghai, be reduced to skeleton staff.
- (4)
- Portuguese Minister, while hoping someone else will take lead, has his orders and is prepared to leave on first available transport to Europe. He plans close legation on departure.
- (5)
- Italian Ambassador without instructions but he believes once French Ambassador leaves he too will be instructed depart. (Department may wish inquire Italian Government its plans particularly in light specific instructions and plans most his colleagues North Atlantic community.)
- (6)
- Netherlands Ambassador has instructions return home preparatory retirement. Departure plans, however, indefinite because lack transportation Europe and personal disinclination. He will leave Embassy Nanking intact with Counselor in charge, First Secretary and two attachés (all Sinologues), Chancellor and clerk.
- (7)
- Belgian Ambassador has general instructions giving him wide latitude. He does not wish to depart before British or French Ambassador. When he leaves, however, he plans take his staff with him, leaving local affairs in care Belgian Consul General, Shanghai.
Sent Department, repeated OffEmb Canton 805.
Jones