893.00/7–1249: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 12—11:56 a. m.]
1486. ReDeptel 1373, July 8 to Shanghai, repeated Nanking 804. I too am appreciative of Cabot’s94 thoughtful analysis of Shanghai situation contained in his telegram 2642, July 7 to Department, repeated Embassy Canton 859, Peiping 192. Without commenting specifically on various points raised therein, I should like to emphasize suggestion made in paragraph 10, re repatriation vessels or planes to evacuate all Americans willing to leave. Pattern which has evolved to date, particularly in Shanghai, and to lesser degree in Tientsin, is discouraging for future of American private enterprise in China. Persecution of American businessmen and even US officials in Shanghai since turnover is even more disquieting and points up fact that USA is unable to offer adequate protection to its nationals in Communist China. Response to repatriation ship might well be enthusiastic.
In any event, we feel it is not too early for Department to begin planning and taking preliminary steps to charter commercial passenger vessel or military transport to Shanghai with appropriate clearances Canton Government and Shanghai authorities for repatriation of Americans and friendly foreigners who may wish to take advantage opportunity to leave Communist China. Any such plan would assuredly find great response from diplomatic corps Nanking, many of whom with wives and children now desire to leave ex-capital, but are unable exit China for lack of transportation. We do not suggest that Americans be advised to leave; we think that would probably be unnecessary; but some means of exit should be found for those Americans who made experiment and are now discouraged, frightened and want to go home. (See last paragraph Shanghai telegram 2633, July 6 to Department,95 repeated Nanking 1457.)
Re method of approach Communist authorities, it has occurred to us it might better be handled purely on local basis between Shanghai Consulate General and MCC.96 As Department knows, Communists insist on local jurisdiction their various MCC’s and if Shanghai authorities agreed, there would seem to be no reason to go further. Major effort would be required Canton to obtain assurances safe passage for vessels.
Sent Department 1486, repeated AmEmb Canton 625, Shanghai 829, Department pass Peiping 263.