121.67/11–2748: Telegram

The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Smith) to the Secretary of State

2751. ReEmbtel 2651.31 Foreign Office letter dated November 25 states Soviet authorities consider practicable continued travel American diplomatic couriers on Soviet boats to Dairen from Shanghai and therefore regard visit by unarmed naval vessels not necessary.

In view this reply, believe we should keep this courier route going actively and assign to it selected trained Russian-speaking personnel (as Army guards) capable of exploiting intelligence possibilities.

Sent Dept 2751; Dept pass Shanghai 39, Dairen 21.

Smith
  1. November 15, 7 p. m. p. 801.