123 Bacon, Leonard L.: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 9—3:27 p. m.]
1468. ReDeptel 794, July 7.42 As may be readily verified by Embtel 1431, July 4, we hold fast as strongly as Department re necessity of relieving Paddock at Dairen and we are in complete agreement that Bacon is logical desirable replacement. However, as we pointed out in that telegram, responsibility for Bacon’s difficulties in reaching Dairen rests squarely with Soviets and, as far as we know, their obstructionism is still unresolved. Bacon has still received no reply to his Soviet visa application for travel via Vladivostok. Consequently, until some assurances are forthcoming that Soviets will cooperate, we do not believe it is worth while for Bacon to initiate his travel at this stage.
As far as we are aware, there is no shipping service between either Hong Kong or Japan and Vladivostok or Dairen. Furthermore there is little reason to feel assured that CCP authorities in Dairen will permit Bacon to replace Paddock any more than they have permitted American consular replacements in other cities under their occupation. We believe there is good chance that if Bacon were to proceed to Hong Kong (or to Japan which is more promising takeoff point for his jump to Dairen), he would merely cool his heels there indefinitely.
Finally Bacon is vitally needed here during this critical period. As Department aware, Nanking staff has been reduced to bare minimum over period past 6 months by establishing Embassy Office Canton, normal attrition, and we unable to date to receive any replacements. Even those caught Shanghai en route here still unable obtain permits enter Nanking. We are therefore most reluctant to release any key personnel and Bacon’s departure this time would be keenly felt. He has excellent command consular duties, his legal background has proven most valuable and, with incidents involving foreigners on increase, will be even more so. Furthermore, he is capable assuming supervisory functions administrative officer when Hinderer43 departs and until latter’s successor permitted enter Communist China (see Embtel 1467, July 944).
Unless Department has reasons unknown to Embassy to believe that Soviet visa can be shortly obtained, or if Department contemplates use of chartered merchant vessel or unarmed naval craft in attempt transport Bacon [to] Dairen direct from Japan, we urgently [Page 895] request that Department reconsider its instruction re Bacon’s departure and authorize us retain him until way for his travel is more open, if it ever opens at all, and until Department has given fuller study to reftel July 4.
As far as accommodations on plane are concerned, we could include Mr. and Mrs. Bacon on flight to Okinawa if desired, although with limited amount luggage for them and us all. I had already planned to take Cabot out with me and am delighted Department contemplates issuing him order for this flight. I have been in communication with him and will apply for his exit visa here on Monday.
Because of looting of Air Attaché plane during turn over, involving loss seats, safety equipment, passengers’ accommodations C–47 limited. In consultation my Air Attaché, I had planned following passenger list out of Nanking in addition to myself, which I do not intend to enlarge unless Department directs otherwise:
(1) Consul General Cabot, (2) Attaché Hinderer, (3) personal secretary Fugh, (4) Air Attaché Colonel Dunning, (5) co-pilot Vanaus Dall, and crew of two.
Sent Department 1468, repeated Embassy Canton 616, Shanghai 818, Canton pouch Hong Kong 39.