893.50 Recovery/2–549: Telegram
The Ambassador in China ( Stuart ) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 5—4:05 a. m.]
321. Re Toeca 935, February 2 [1] from Lapham,73 and Peiping’s 167 to Department, February 2. Lapham has requested Ambassador, in writing instruction concerned, [that] Consulate Generals be “prepared take over (ECA) stocks, merchandise, other assets, to employ them appropriately according their best judgment and policies determined by Department”. Request includes Tsingtao where may be large tonnage wheat and flour even allowing for maintenance ration through March, Same issue may subsequently arise Shanghai.
In light reported confiscations ECA foodstuffs by Communist military Tientsin, surplus stocks Tsingtao could be shipped out prior Communist take-over there at same time alleviating responsibilities and possible embarrassment Tsingtao Consulate General re protection, disposition.
Embassy reluctant instruct Consulate Generals without prior acquiescence Department. Please instruct soonest.
- ECA telegram not printed; it reported Mr. Lapham’s orders to his North China representatives to evacuate and to “turn stocks, properties and local currency over to Consuls General on departure”. (893.50 Recovery/2–149)↩