393.1111 Baker, Charles/62: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Consul General at Shanghai (Cunningham)
140. For the Minister. Reference Shanghai’s telegram to Department No. 207, April 12, 9 a.m.30 Department is seriously concerned over continued failure of Chinese Government to take effective action in Baker case and reiterates the views indicated in its telegrams 118 of March 26 and 120 of March 28. Department desires that you again interview highest Chinese officials on this case, going to Nanking for that purpose if most influential officials are there, and impress upon these officials the seriousness of the case. You should point out that the failure of the Chinese Government to bring about Baker’s release is creating a most unfavorable effect on public opinion in the United States with regard to China’s ability to afford due protection to the lives of foreigners resident in China.
Unless you feel that such action would definitely prejudice the chances of effecting Baker’s release, the Department urgently suggests that you detail a ranking officer of the Legation staff to prosecute the case vigorously with the Chinese officials charged with rescue operations, presumably at or above Hankow, and that such officer proceed at earliest practicable moment.
Department desires that you personally make known to the ranking officials of the Chinese Government at Shanghai and/or Nanking, both orally and in writing, the fact that the captors of Baker have stated their willingness to grant his release upon the payment of ransom and that while the Department does not desire to stipulate any particular procedure, it calls upon the Chinese Government to intensify its efforts to effect Baker’s release at an early date using any and every [Page 490] means appropriate and calculated to contribute toward that end. You should say that the American Government regards this matter as urgently important.
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