Foreign Relations of the United States, 1948, The Far East: China, Volume VIII

124.018/12–348: Telegram

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

Nanking, December 3, 1948—6 p.m.
[Received December 4—6:57 a.m.]

2412. I have reconsidered question of use Marines Nanking (Deptel 1742, December 1) and have discussed matter with ranking officers my staff. We are unanimous in belief that character of service to be rendered by Marine guard and precautions we have taken will afford us valuable protection with minimum risk.

Following considerations have led us to that conclusion:

1. Danger we envisage is only from rabble and disorganized and retreating soldiers after municipal authority has collapsed and until such time as Communists have entered city and assumed control. On mature consideration we decided we could not rely upon Chinese police guards or upon electrification of wires around Embassy compound. We have, however, arranged with the local military police to have stationed in our general section of the city a company of military police which has been instructed to prevent rioters and disorganized soldiers from entering the area. We felt, however, that even these military police did not afford adequate assurance of protection. We, therefore, turned to the Marine guard idea.

2. We are endeavoring concentrate personnel in chancery compound and in 84–85 Shanghai Road where Ambassador resides. We nave stationed Marine guards at strategic points at those compounds. These points were selected with view to impressing upon passing public that compounds are adequately protected by first rate guards. It is our hope that with public knowledge of presence guards looters or rioters will go elsewhere where they are less apt to encounter armed resistance. Large American flags and notices in both English and Chinese have been affixed to compound gates and there can be no question as to identity property. Even should rioters threaten compounds, we are all in agreement they could be dispersed, if necessary, through use of tear gas without firing shot. If, however, there are indications of organized anti-foreign demonstrations or other reasons to believe mere presence of Marines at 84–85 Shanghai Road will be insufficient to deter rabble, we plan immediate evacuation persons resident those compounds to chancery compound on Sikong Road where Marine platoon is confident it can afford protection until such time as all personnel could be evacuated to APD. Adequate communication facilities between compounds is being established.

3. Embassy has greater immunity under international law than Consulates. We expect Communists upon arrival will, at least in the beginning, be correct in their attitude toward Embassy and that, accordingly, when we explain purpose of presence Marines and our intention immediately to reembark them aboard APD when Communists have established authority, Communists will not molest Marines or seek disarm them. APD is remaining here to care for remote possibility that situation may so deteriorate as to require actual emergency evacuation all personnel. It will stay out of line of fire and will depart with Marines as soon as Communists have taken over city and established authority.

In view of above considerations we hope Department will approve our plan.⁸⁹

Stuart

89. The Acting Secretary of State replied to the Ambassador in China in telegram No. 1802, December 10, 4 p.m.: “In view urtel 2412 Dec 3 Dept concurs.”