121.67/11–2248: Telegram
The Consul at Dairen (Paddock) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 23—2:56 a. m.]
220. Railway not open now to Mukden; no indication it will be by time couriers arrive, reDeptel 1979 to Shanghai, November 19, repeated Moscow 1330.
For couriers to Mukden two sets permits needed: One from Soviets for Kwantung and one from Chinese Communists for Manchuria proper. Latter probably not procurable here, reference immediately preceding Consul telegram.
Consul certain local Soviets will not issue pass to couriers for travel to Kwantung order [sic] except with Moscow clearance. It suggested Department request Moscow Embassy present this matter now to Foreign Office. Consul will make similar application locally when railroad opens.
If railroad not open but both permits received, should couriers go with Consul chauffeur jeep trailer? Present road conditions unknown.
If Soviet permit received and no indication of arrangement with Chinese Communists, should couriers attempt go Mukden?
If permits not granted by time couriers arrive, Consul will arrange for them return Vladivostok by same ship. Instructions should be given now whether leave or take Mukden mail back to Shanghai. If couriers still in Shanghai, would be well reconsider hold Mukden mail there rather than send it Dairen which now dead end.
If [It?] felt Mukden-Dairen courier route a future rather than present possibility due sensitivity of Soviet and Chinese Communists about their anomalous status here which will probably exist until Soviets recognize Chinese Communists.
Consul assumes another pair couriers will depart from Shanghai on next Smolny regardless if this pair returned or not to Shanghai. Verification of this requested.
Sent Department. Department pass Shanghai, Nanking 105, Moscow 89, Mukden 49.