Office of the Historian

393.1111 Baker, Charles/72: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Consul General at Nanking (Peck)

Washington, April 18, 1932—5 p.m.

37. For the Minister. In view of your April 17, 11 p.m., paragraph 2, Department authorizes you in your discretion to delete the last paragraph of the statement which the Department instructed you, in Department’s 144, April 16, 7 p.m., to make in writing to the Chinese Government.40

In view of last two sentences of your telegram under reference, Department feels that the officer whom you detail for the duty of prosecuting this case should make and maintain closest possible contact with officials of the Chinese Government responsible for the carrying out of whatever plans may be adopted. The Department’s most urgent desire in this connection is that there shall be no further delay and no effort be neglected which may advisedly contribute to the effecting of Baker’s prompt and safe release.

Castle
  1. The Minister’s note did not contain the paragraph referred to.↩