Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, The Far East: China, Volume IX

893.50 Recovery/5–349: Telegram

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

Nanking, May 3, 1949—5 p. m.
[Received May 3—7:17 a. m.]

926. [To Shanghai:] British Ambassador¹⁰ has informed me of your and Urquhart’s¹¹ summons to Acting Mayor’s office to receive plea for increased economic aid to permit Shanghai to hold out longer period against Communists. Stevenson is telegraphing British Consulate General that he does not approve any plan of economic assistance which would permit Chinese carry out their plans to defend Shanghai militarily. He asked my support in sending similar message to you.

I am in general agreement with Stevenson’s views that military defense of Shanghai is senseless and futile causing unnecessary suffering and hardship to millions of people. Apart from tapering ECA program as contemplated, I feel no additional economic assistance should be considered Shanghai unless latter is declared and recognized “open city” by both sides.

Sent Shanghai 493, reported Dept, OffEmb Canton 346.¹²

Stuart

10. Sir Ralph Stevenson.
11. Robert W. Urquhart, British Consul General at Shanghai.
12. In telegram No. 1509, May 4, 8 p. m., the Consul General at Shanghai indicated his assumption that the last paragraph of the message above “does not mean we should reduce present program maintaining adequate minimum supplies to keep Shanghai economy running so long as it remains Nationalist hands. I feel we would be as much criticized for pulling rug out from under defense as we would for taking positive measures encourage defense. There has been much discussion Shanghai possibility having it declared open city, but I always taken attitude that, while inherently desirable, is not matter which I in position to push.” (893.50 Recovery/5–449)