393.1111 Baker, Charles/48: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Consul General at Shanghai (Cunningham)
120. For the Minister. Your March 28, noon. As previously stated, the Department is less concerned with the finer points of procedure than with the release of Baker. The Department therefore desires that you bring to the attention of the Chinese Government any and all practicable means, including the use of wheat and the securing of hostages, which appear to offer possibilities of a successful conclusion. In so doing you are requested vigorously to press for prompt and effective action, pointing out that it is incumbent upon the Chinese Government to effect the release of Baker and that while the Department does not desire to stipulate any particular course of action, the payment by Chinese authorities of ransom appears to offer the best means of obtaining Baker’s prompt and safe release.
The Department desires that you keep this case constantly before you and also before the ranking Chinese officials concerned.