121.5493/11–249: Telegram
The Second Secretary of Embassy in China (Bacon) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 2—12:51 p. m.]
2355. Re MilAts 683 October 28 (not repeated Peiping). At [On] October 29 delegation club employees asked see Soule who received them and stated he not member board and could not negotiate as such; also that their letter October 24 to Public Safety Bureau constituted form duress making any negotiations with signers impossible. At same interview Clough stated Bacon was sole remaining board member and as such had authority effect settlement and had designated Clough as negotiator, but that no further negotiations possible until letter withdrawn. Delegation departed without indicating intentions re letter. Following letter dated October 31 thereupon sent each employee by Bacon:
[Here follows text of letter explaining situation.]
Section chief made following comment: (1) PSB has only Soule’s and Bacon’s statements that Soule not board member and these statements insufficient in law to establish fact; (2) employees had been endeavoring contact Soule without success and as late [last?] resort had filed letter of October 24; (3) an earlier communication had been received October 11 from employees but since Soule had not inquired about it, has not considered necessary to disclose it to him; (4) phraseology statement by Secretary of State “improper” and menacing”; that PSB only following its regulations; and that she would retain the letter for a short time in order to bring it to attention higher authority.
Sent Department 2355, repeated Peiping 386. Please pass Department of Army.