125.351/5–749: Telegram

The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State

957. Re Embtel 956, May 7. We feel bound to observe that, while we earnestly desire retain Dairen Consulate, our position there is becoming increasingly untenable as result Communist persecution of Consular staff, difficulties in maintaining courier and telegraphic communications and difficulties in replacing personnel. We assume Department is currently considering means, if any, to improve our position there, though in light of such telegrams as Dairen’s 121, May 1 [April 26] to Department we are beginning to question usefulness of maintaining Consulate Dairen in circumstances of increasing isolation. [Page 877] Department pass Peiping, Moscow in discretion.

Sent Department, repeated OffEmb Canton 370, Shanghai 521, Dairen 31.

Stuart