123 Gleysteen, Culver: Telegram
The Consul at Dairen (Paddock) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 3—12:54 a. m.]
163. ReDeptel 72. Time of arrest between 7:30 and 8. It was dusk but not dark. Consular jeep parked facing inland, headlights off. Gleysteen had used lights on Rokotan Streets as safety precaution but turned them off when out of built-up section as they unnecessary because it still daylight. Thus lights never used when jeep facing open sea while approaching parking place. Police and Soviet soldiers ran up within few minutes after Gleysteen arrived.
Question of identity as American official never raised after initial request. “American Consul General” is prominently painted on front of jeep; police and soldiers accepted Gleysteen as American official.
Name of Soviet officer who first questioned Gleysteen at Soviet Kommandatura is Ocadchuk, his rank is Lieutenant Colonel; title is Commander Dairen garrison. He never asked Gleysteen who he was but definitely greeted him as acquaintance. Gleysteen had met him at Army day reception at Soviet Consulate General last November. Later MVD officer brought up question identity but only if Gleysteen Consul or Vice Consul. He tacitly admitted Gleysteen’s arrest was mistaken by saying it took place because soldiers ignorant and trying protect him from bandits.