125.351/9–2048: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union ( Smith ) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 21—6:18 a. m.]
2055. We agree Nanking re effect closing Vladivostok Consulate General on problem maintaining Dairen. Furthermore present moment seems appropriate for Soviets step up pressure freeze US out of Dairen. (ReDeptel 1126, September 16, based on Nanking’s 1607, August 31 to Department repeated Shanghai 757, Seoul 29). Paddock travel episode,8 demand for special Dairen visa guaranteed unpalatable Chinese Foreign Office, Soviets’ silence while doing nothing re Dairen’s recent telegrams all may be preparatory more direct action in near future. Soviets apparently have not yet used their puppet Dairen municipal government to cause insurmountable administrative difficulties for Dairen staff but use of this easy means attack, responsibility for which can be disclaimed, may not be long deferred. Accordingly we see nothing lost in taking up again with Moscow Foreign Office question using unarmed Navy courier vessels to Dairen.
Lacking retaliatory threats in Japan or diversion commercial vessels to Dairen, Embassy does not see much hope for Soviet approval use unarmed Navy vessel previously refused in writing. If after lapse reasonable time Soviet approval not obtained or action taken on acceptable alternative procedure, Consulate should be closed, giving matter full publicity at appropriate moment to pin full responsibility on Soviets.
Sent Dept 2055, Dept pass Nanking 26, Shanghai 29, Seoul 31.
- Request for Soviet visa to Vladivostok en route to Dairen for Paul E. Paddock, Jr., Consul at Dairen, remained unanswered; Mr. Paddock thereupon proceeded directly to Dairen aboard a non-Soviet vessel.↩