811.91293/7–2845: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Hurley)
1163. Ernest Lindley, representing Newsweek, has called on me in regard to exclusion from China of Harold Isaacs, that magazine’s regular Chungking representative. I informed Lindley that Dept would inquire into case and communicate with him later.
Please inquire into the matter and point out to Chinese Government that this action may have adverse effect upon public opinion in United States where freedom of press is considered important, and that it would not be to China’s own interests should this case become an issue in eyes of American press and public. Your approach should be from point of view that Isaacs case is not an isolated incident but has broad implications for all American correspondents who are now or may in future go to China.
Please report by radio the results your approach.