Cablegram 58 CANBERRA, 14 May 1949, 1.15 p.m.
IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL
We have received through United Kingdom Government the proposal
for a joint public appeal to Chinese Government to spare Shanghai
needless destruction. While agreeing that Foreign Representatives
on the spot should do all they can to persuade Chinese Authorities
not to let Shanghai be destroyed, Prime Minister sees
disadvantages in a public appeal, and has advised United Kingdom
High Commissioner accordingly. Minister in New York has also been
informed.
[AA: A1838/1, 491/7/18, i]