761.93/5–2047: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in the Soviet Union (Kohler)
1588. Unless you perceive objection please transmit following note (Sent Moscow as 1588 repeated Nanking as 1006 and Dairen as 37) to Soviet FonOff:84
“The Embassy of the United States of America refers to its note of January 3, 194785 in which it was stated that the American Government perceived no reason why there should be further delay in opening Dairen to international commerce as a free port, as contemplated by the Soviet-Sino Treaty of August 14, 1945. As the Embassy pointed out at that time, the Government of the United States feels that it has a responsibility to American interests in general to urge that there be established at Dairen at an early date normal conditions which will permit American citizens to visit and reside there in the pursuit of their legitimate activities.
Although nearly 2 years have passed since the signature of the instrument of surrender by Japan, Dairen has not been reopened to world trade and representatives of United States firms are not permitted to occupy, or even to visit, properties in the outskirts of the city which those firms long have owned. While this Government hopes that the Soviet and Chinese Governments may soon be able to reconcile the differing views which apparently impede the reestablishment of Chinese administration at Dairen, it will of necessity hold the Soviet Government responsible for the treatment accorded in the interim to United States interests there. It accordingly would appreciate being informed what steps the Soviet Government is prepared to take in order that American interests may be accorded equitable treatment with respect to residence and trade at Dairen.”