125.6336/12–648: Telegram
The Consul General at Hong Kong (Hopper) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 7—12:49 a. m.]
257. Communist Chiao Mu December 5 readily agreed highly desirable Mukden Consulate General maintain touch with Dept (re-Deptel 365, December 2, repeated Embassy 1764, Mukden 222) and recognized adverse publicity value present position and urgency for Communists to provide facilities if military authorities unwilling permit operation Consulate General radio. When he expressed doubt military authorities would permit handling coded messages without being shown true reading, Consular rights under international law were reviewed, and though apparently personally convinced, he said settlement this question would depend on Ward’s negotiations with military authorities Mukden. Stressed he was without information [Page 843] reason closure Consulate General transmitter and agreed Mukden not within fighting zone now.
Chiao Mu promised query [north] Shensi this matter immediately, but claimed 10 days required to get reply. Suggested we arrange with British here for contact between a local British transmitter and Mukden authorities for sending, receiving official telegrams all Consulates. Mukden, asserting Communists here will do utmost obtain approval their authorities. Am taking no action this suggestion pending Department’s instructions.
Appears most likely Communists here have efficient 2-way radio contact with their headquarters, although probably use transmitter outside colony.
Repeated Nanking 209.