393.1115/6–248: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Stuart)
826. Min-Counselor Chi Emb52 called on Dir of FE53 (urtel 981 June 1) indicating his Govt was disturbed over proposed warning: to Amer citizens discussed by you with Chi FonOff. He stated that in opinion of his Govt milit situation did not warrant such action which it was feared would have unfortunate psychological effects particularly coming as it would just after formation of new Govt. He was informed proposed warning was not evacuation order but rather suggestion to non-essential Amers to leave north China while commercial transportation facilities still available. In Depts view there were two aspects of the problem which should be considered. One was question of fact of whether the milit situation in the north of China was deteriorating and two if so whether a genl warning issued now might not have less unfavorable repercussions than a more drastic action later. Dr. Tan was assured that the Emb was of course most desirous in carrying out its responsibilities to do whatever lay within its power to obviate any maleffects on the position of the ChiGovt [Page 836] and it was with this in mind that Emb had approached the FonOff before taking any action.
Dr. Tan’s attention was also called to the fact that AmEmbs and Cons in China have always had the authority and responsibility of decision respecting evacuation of Amer citizens from areas of danger and Dept at this distance and in these circumstances must leave action to Emb.