693.0023/1–847: Telegram
The Consul General at Dairen (Benninghoff) to the Secretary of State
[Received 12:15 p.m.]
2. Soviet officials seem inclined to consider ship incident December 20 as closed and at reception my house January 1 cordially referred to subsequent visit of vessel. Will discuss landing requirements with Soviet Consul at early opportunity and report.
Radio reports indicate confusion as to whether ultimatum was delivered.
Vice Consul Patch and I, as well as ship’s Captain, did not board vessel until few minutes before sailing. We did not hear of ultimatum [Page 483] although Soviet Major with whom I talked at general gate had preceded us and apparently had asked the ship to leave as soon as possible and he was very discourteous and there was some feeling of tension. I first learned from him on that day that there was a time limit for ship’s stay.
Statement December 26 re legality Soviet position here was first indication this office had of United States official stand on Sino-Soviet treaty,7 and was most welcome. In absence instructions will treat incident as closed. Mail report8 follows.
Repeat Nanking, Shanghai, Moscow.