125.857/1–2749: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cabot) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 27—3:36 p. m.]
276. Deptel 95, January 26 to Nanking13 and Embtel 187, January 22.14 Before Embassy sent instructions reference telegram I strongly urged stripping of staff of Shanghai Consulate General at last minute before Communist entry on grounds that Mukden experience showed maintenance of full staffs was largely useless and would simply help Communists humiliate US through its officials. Trend of events suggests possible long period of nonrecognition, perhaps with aid still going to Nationalists; this would give Communists positive reason for denying facilities such as communications to Consulate General and might well result in reprisals. It would be unwarranted to keep cooped up here staff which is badly needed [Page 1218] elsewhere; upon recognition, Communists could scarcely prevent our increasing it since they would have to send officials to Washington. Since receipt of Embtel Consulate General has been studying specific recommendations for reduction of its staff. Situation is so fluid that we feel it would be better if Department could give us wide measure of discretion.
Navy intends to offer ships in river as haven for Americans who are willing to leave their homes when arrival of Communists appears imminent. This would not be an emergency evacuation but rather a facility of which American citizens could avail themselves if they so wished. I request authority at that time to order up to 70 percent of Consulate General staff aboard US warships for removal from Shanghai.
I do not see that Department statement re maintenance of diplomatic and consular representatives China could be construed as preventing Department from altering its position under changed circumstances. Moreover reduced staff which would remain under me would presumably be able to accomplish anything on behalf of remaining American citizens and interests which could be accomplished.
If Department approves I think I should be permitted to inform community either publicly or privately of decision. Sent Department 276, repeated Nanking 213.