121.5493/11–449: Telegram
The Second Secretary of Embassy in China (Bacon) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 4—1:29 p. m.]
2364. Embtel 2355, November 2. Following petition delivered November 4 to Aliens Affairs Office by Bacon as chairman board governors former Embassy club after rejection previous day similar communication on ground not in form petition:
“I have the honor to submit this petition and to state that former American Embassy club, a private organization whose members drawn primarily from Diplomatic Corps, Nanking, was closed October 1 due [Page 845] to departure large number members and consequent impossibility further financing its operations. As sole remaining member board governors in Nanking I have been conducting negotiations with employees through my representative Major Moyer in effort reach equitable agreement as to separation allowance to be paid them. To date no settlement reached because employees insist they be paid separation allowance on same basis as official employees of US Embassy. Because impasse reached after more than 6 weeks negotiations I desire that matter be brought before Labor Bureau of Municipal Government and settled through established procedures. Major Moyer is preparing depart and I have therefore designated Clough as my representative this matter. Your attention, to matter respectfully requested.”
Kang of Alien Affairs Office declared petition acceptable and asked for immediate oral statement on full course of negotiations. Bacon declined on ground had not personally taken part in negotiations and in any event preferred submit written statement. Kang then declared petition not entitled consideration if Bacon refused give account negotiations. After further argument Kang said he would have to call in employees to hear their side. Bacon expressed hearty agreement and inquired whether written statement his part desired. Kang said not necessary and that Bacon would be informed of next step to be taken by him.
Pass Army Department.
Sent Department; repeated Peiping 388.