811.5034 China—Searchlight Publishing Co./39: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cunningham) to the Secretary of State
Shanghai, October 21, 1932—10
a.m.
[Received October 21—1:41 a.m.]
[Received October 21—1:41 a.m.]
404. My 389, September 13, 4 p.m.
- 1.
- Mayor in letter October 11 again requests that stringent measures be taken to deal with China Forum since character of articles published by journal has been ascertained and established by proof. I have replied as instructed in Department’s 247, September 8, 6 p.m., and added that China Forum has not been published for over 2 months according to my information.
- 2.
- I beg to suggest that this action will not be sufficient to deter Isaacs or any other from taking part communistic activity, and strongly feel that this Consulate General should be able to take more drastic action, such as the withdrawal of protection as recommended by District Attorney and myself in telegram 336, July 14, 9 a.m. I feel that if it becomes known that American citizen may under American extraterritorial protection engage in communistic activity which may not be in contravention of American law but which is nevertheless actually or potentially of a subversive character, that there is every likelihood that the Third International may use Americans in important posts in China, using International Settlement as a base. I have just received a confidential communication from the Mayor stating that according to report received Agnes Smedley is an important member of the China branch of the Revolutionary Cooperative Society Mopr-Uonp and also a member of Voks, Federal Board of Local Board Culture in foreign countries, both of which are under the control of Third International. I am requested to give the matter attention. I have replied asking for particulars regarding activities in which she is alleged to be engaged.
Repeated to the Legation for information.
Cunningham