125.6336/12–2148: Telegram
The Consul General at Hong Kong (Hopper) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:20 p. m.]
274. Communist Chiao Mu today stated no word yet received his query Mukden Consul General communication facilities. Believe he is stalling, although he asserted matter highly important. Declined arrange interview for Service68 with Pan Han-nien, senior Communist political leader here, asserting Pan too busy.
ReDeptel 394, December 17,69 believe Communists here unlikely produce solution Mukden problem, particularly as our approach not fortified as originating in Department or Embassy. Policy permits approach on behalf Department or Embassy, Communists probably would be inclined furnish us with some reply, but result unpredictable. If such approach authorized believe publicity now would prejudice success.
If publicity intended, suggest joint US, British, French publicity on failure Communists provide Mukden Consulate with communication facilities would promise better results than unilateral Washington statement, which unlikely impress or coerce Communists now in view Communists’ tendency regard US as partner of Chiang in civil war.