Cablegram 155 NANKING (VIA SINGAPORE), 30 April 1949 [1]
Communist troops are quiet and well behaved and we have not been interfered with though there is still complete uncertainty as to the rules applicable regarding moving about and different rules are applied to different missions. [2]
2. Though I regret decision to remove Penhalluriack [3] from Shanghai at present juncture as I feel it will still further damage our prestige, I have instructed him to leave first opportunity that will not deprive private person of a chance of evacuating. I feel sure you will agree that an official at present time should not prevent a private person leaving. I have instructed Loveday to act as Consul-General and authorised him to grant visas, etc.
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1 Dispatched via the UK Embassy to Singapore and then to Canberra.
2 When the Communists took over Nanking, Officer and the American and French Ambassadors were confined to their home for eight days.
3 F.J.R. Penhalluriack, Acting Consul-General, Shanghai, was recalled by the Department of Immigration. H.M. Loveday replaced him on 16 May 1949
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