125.3516/6–2649: Telegram
The Consul at Dairen (Paddock) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 27—7:53 a. m.]
187. [To Nanking:] 9:30 p. m., June 24 Consul chauffeur Ma taken from his house by five Chinese plain-clothesmen and driven to countryside. He interrogated re his role “in espionage like American Consul, Mukden”, if other Chinese on Consul staff involved, and if he had observed secret movements of consular officers. Political police released Ma at midnight but warned they “not through with him”.
Soviet accusation Gleysteen signaling to sea when arrested at Rokotan recalled Anna Bukar book on “spying” of American Embassy, Moscow, featured in Soviet bookstore. Contel 132, June 23, repeated Department 181, mentioned emphasis in local political classes that every American Consulate is “nest of spies”.
Embtel 957, May 7, to Department “questioned usefulness of maintaining Consulate Dairen in circumstances of increasing isolation”. Not known if Department commented on this telegram.
Consul would appreciate views of Embassy (or for Embassy take up subject with Department) re future plans for this post. Ma incident, due timing and implication of possible future public accusation whether Consul able operate indefinitely in face Soviet harassment.
Soviets still directly responsible for Dairen and for Consular difficulties here. Working conditions of Consul after USSR recognizes future CCP government cannot be foreseen. However, Soviet control of Dairen likely until Japanese treaty concluded.
Gleysteen and myself able cope with successive difficulties but morale Chinese staff deteriorating due exposed position. Nervous tension of many months has had effect.
It believed Consul can do nothing locally to improve situation and that only Department and Moscow Embassy (through effects of pressure at Foreign Office, publicity or other means) can restore and maintain workable conditions for this office.
Sent Nanking 138, repeated Canton 80, Shanghai 157, Moscow 106.