Office of the Historian

125.0093/1–2549: Telegram

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

Nanking, January 25, 1949.
[Received January 25—2:42 a. m.]

206. We have requested Embassy Manila again approach Army regarding possibility transferring China evacuees to Baguio on termination Philippine University camp March 1 or sooner if possibile. If this impossible we propose, pending clarification China scene, transfer them to Macao where Portuguese Governor General has undertaken make hotel accommodations available, but before making firm commitment there would appreciate Department’s approval and replies to following questions:

1.
If government not available, would Department defray expense of commercial transportation?
2.
Would Macao be considered temporary place of refuge from which transportation to US would be authorized if early return Nanking impossible?
3.
Since Macao in Hong Kong Consular District, would Hong Kong per diem rate be applicable?
4.
Would Department authorize travel one officer week in advance arrival dependents to make necessary arrangements?
5.
Service Attachés could not support dependents at Macao unless government housing were provided and minimum cost of living already requested for Manila were granted to cover subsistence. Could US Government rent necessary hotel rooms and thus supply government housing?

Repeated Shanghai 97.

Stuart