893.00/6–1749: Telegram
The Consul General at Peiping (Clubb) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 17—6:42 a. m.]
1031. ReDeptel 367, June 14. I agree in undesirability committing reply to original channel as direct transmitting agency. Believe further, however, undesirable endeavor use new channel since this would merely broaden possibilities leakage.
After consultation with Barrett, believe best procedure would be inform Keon it is desired make reply but by direct contact either Barrett or myself with either Chou En-lai or his secretary (who made arrangements for first interview with Keon) with Chou himself to stipulate what channel he would prefer for safe reply.
Note this would (1) avoid any compromise Chou by insecurity new channel, (2) leave up to his own judgment in first instance matter of security reply (any counter-proposition from Chou would of course have to be acceptable to us to get our compliance), (3) incidentally check Chou’s willingness accept such communication, and (4) provide practical check at same time on first communication. By this procedure be it noted there would be avoided any further diffusion of matter.
Please instruct.