Foreign Relations of the United States, 1948, The Far East: China, Volume VII

125.6336/11–2048: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Consul General at Shanghai (Cabot)⁵³

Washington, November 20, 1948—noon.

1987. UP despatch Nov 19 Shanghai reports “reliable sources” as stating US consular radio Mukden sealed by Comms. Despatch also states Ward and other Americans have not ventured outside compound but had not reported mistreatment of US citizens or other foreigners by Comms. Despatch continues “reliable sources” said final message came from Ward himself.

Dept does not consider any purpose served by publication info such as that described above, part of which incorrect. Deptel 1852 Nov 2⁵⁴ specifically directed exercise extreme caution in making substance Mukden reports available to press and avoidance any reference to radio facilities employed.⁵⁵

In view UP despatch Dept is replying along following lines to inquiries this subject:

On Nov 15 local authorities Mukden issued proclamation stating operation radio stations by Chinese or foreigners prohibited unless authorized by mil authorities. Enforcement this regulation Nov 18 forced suspension operations small radio station with which ConGen had maintained contacts with our offices Shanghai and Nanking. Prior this action ConGen had reported attitude incoming troops and new civil officials toward Americans and other foreigners correct and members his staff had moved about in city.

Lovett

53. Repeated as telegrams Nos. 1678 and 215 to the Ambassador in China and the Consul General at Mukden respectively.
54. Same as telegram No. 1533, November 2, to the Ambassador in. China, p. 827.
55. In telegram No. 2490, November 22, 5 p. m., the Consul General at Shanghai replied: “No Mukden reports made available Shanghai to United Press.” (125. 6336/11–2248).