693.0023/12–3146: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Stuart)
1252. Please address to FonOff note reading substantially as follows (telegraph promptly to Dept when note is delivered as Dept plans to release substance thereof to press):
“The recent incident at Dairen involving an American courier vessel visiting the port emphasizes to this Govt the desirability that the current unsatisfactory situation with regard to the status and control of the port of Dairen be promptly considered by the Chinese and Soviet Govts with a view to the implementation of the pertinent provisions of the Soviet-Chinese agreement of August 14, 1945, in regard to Dairen. This Govt perceives no reason why there should be further delay in reopening the port under Chinese administration to international commerce as contemplated in the aforementioned agreement.
“The Govt of the United States, while fully appreciating that this is a matter for direct negotiation between the Chinese and Soviet Govts, feels that it has a responsibility to American interests in general to raise the question with the two directly interested Govts in the hope that the abnormal conditions now prevailing at Dairen may be terminated at an early date and that normal conditions be established which will permit American citizens to visit and reside at Dairen in pursuit of their legitimate activities.
“In the foregoing connection this Govt also wishes to express the hope that agreement can be reached soon for the resumption of traffic on the Chinese Changchun railway. (Sent Nanking 1252 and Moscow 2208 for action.)
“It is believed that prompt implementation of the agreements with regard to Dairen and the railway would constitute a major contribution to the reestablishment of normal conditions in the Far East and the revival of generally beneficial commercial activity. This Govt therefore would be glad to have the assurance of the Chinese and Soviet Govts that all necessary steps to this end will be taken in the near future.
“A similar approach is being made to the Soviet Govt at Moscow.”