393.1111 Baker, Charles/46: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Shanghai (Cunningham)
118. For the Minister. Your March 25, 9 a.m. and March 26, 11 a.m. Department desires that you assume direction of this case and [Page 485] that you keep the Department fully informed of any developments and steps taken.
Department notes that you question the propriety of suggesting the use of wheat as a possible means of obtaining release of Baker and your view that pressure at Nanking will cause embarrassment to the Chinese Government. Department believes that these features of the case are outweighed by the fact that the life of an American citizen is at stake and that it is incumbent upon the Chinese Government to devise means of effecting his prompt release.
It is the Department’s understanding that there appear to be only three courses of action open to possible success, namely, ransom, use of wheat and the taking of hostages. Department strongly favors the payment of ransom by the Chinese Government as the best means of effecting the prompt and safe release of Baker. The Department does not favor participation by American naval forces in the taking of hostages. However, the question of ways and means to bring about Baker’s release is one for decision by the Chinese Government, the salient point being prompt and effective action. To this end you are authorized to press for such action with any Chinese official concerned including Chiang Kai-shek and/or the Minister of the Navy, as suggested by Adams in his telegram No. 43, March 17, 4 p.m., repeated to you.
In the event that Chinese officials most likely to render effective assistance are not at Nanking, you are authorized to consider the sending of a member of the staff of the Legation to points where such Chinese officials may be reached.