Office of the Historian

893.01/10–649: Telegram

The Consul General at Peiping (Clubb) to the Secretary of Stale

Peiping, October 6, 1949—3 p. m.
[Received October 6—6:57 a. m.]

1689. ReContel 1674, October 4; Deptel 682, October 4.82 Belgian Consul acknowledged receipt and forwarding Chou En-lai letter addressing Chou as “Your Excellency” but without further title and omitting his own title. He transmitted message via Aliens Affairs Office. Netherlands Consul acknowledged similarly addressing Chou as General. Both had consulted Ambassadors, were told use own judgment and coordinate with colleagues. Understood British Consul was specifically instructed acknowledge.

Apparently AAO has been authorized act as channel for such communications but still no indications its usefulness to Consuls has been otherwise enhanced.

Reiterate belief reported Conreftel advisable I likewise make some acknowledgement receipt and report transmittal. This is especially case if it is hoped, as indicated Depreftel, establish contacts with Chou for other purposes. I am withholding action regarding Mukden temporarily in hope receipt Department’s authorization regarding acknowledgement which would give something in nature springboard.

Reference White’s83 personal observation to press October 484 [that] Chou’s letter was identic to all Consuls Peiping (except unknown what communication sent Soviets) and couched in entirely [Page 103] courteous terms with reference in text to address as “Sir” or “Excellency” and use of honorific before word “country” (of addressee). No suggestion of intended discourtesy. Full probability seems be that Communists in use personal address were simply adhering their chosen line of regarding Consulates as non-existent in technical sense pending establishment regular diplomatic relations. Believe it would be desirable correct the impression given by observation in question.

Clubb
  1. For latter, see vol. viii , “Problems of United States Consulates in areas occupied by the Chinese Communists”, chapter I.↩
  2. P. Lincoln White, Executive Assistant to Michael J. McDermott.↩
  3. In a lengthy question and answer period Mr. White had read to the press the text of the Chou letter and discussed it with them.↩