Office of the Historian

124.93/1–3149: Telegram

The Consul General at Peiping (Clubb) to the Secretary of State

Peiping, [via Shanghai], January 31, 1949—3 p. m.
[Received February 1—12:40 a. m.]

152. Following is substance (in translation) of message relayed by Shanghai from AmConsul [at] Peiping:

1.
Communists accord no recognition functions Tientsin Consulates (including Soviets).
2.
No communications permitted outside Tientsin
3.
All activities foreigners virtually paralyzed.
4.
There exists no possibility establish contact responsible local authorities for discussion difficulties which arise.
5.
After basic statement issued re protection foreigners, there are no signs leading to hope normalization soon existing situation.
6.
If present unsettled political situation continues, quick determination position foreigners may be forecast and they would unavoidably find themselves in condition interned persons.
7.
Consuls are (keeping in touch in order prevent repetition situation prevailing Mukden.
8.
Up to now nothing perilous has happened re foreign nationals but because lack normal activities serious financial difficulties may at least be anticipated.
9.
Living costs increasing vertiginously.

Peiping Consul reports this message brought back by person he sent Tientsin to establish contact, that messenger (foreigner) experienced difficulty returning because of Communist prohibition travel foreigners through central station Tientsin.

This source indicates consular officials not permitted use cars.

Italian Consul here lacks telegraphic facilities, requests above information be transmitted Italian Ambassador, Nanking.

Sent Department 152, repeated Nanking 128, Shanghai 122.

Clubb