125.3513/8–1349: Telegram
The Consul at Dairen (Paddock) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 13—7:21 a. m.]
240. Concern of Consulate for departure of radio operator Chao and clerk Chao and family emphasized previous telegrams.
Situation now is Soviet transit visas through Vladivostok applied for but not expected. Consulate has taken all preparations which were taken June 1948 for departure of former radio operator who also of Chinese nationality.
Consulate told Soviets that Consulate is planning for Chaos go with next couriers through Vladivostok and not await replacements. Soviets possibly let them go just to reduce office efficiency but this not counted on.
Best chance for them go is by one of freighters, Contel 167, August 5, repeated Department 232.51 Consulate intends asking Tokyo, Seoul, Manila to rearrange passage for them on freighter calling here. Consulate will then make all possible efforts get them away. Similar efforts if special ship diverted here with couriers Bangkok, telegram 699 to Department August 9,51 not repeated Nanking. If departure prevented, it will be on basis Chinese police refuse exit [Page 899] permits. Same time it assured Soviets will disclaim all responsibility re such permits, Contel 154, repeated Department 207, July 11. Soviets already have made similar assertion re police action in various incidents affecting Consulate.
Before beginning affair of two Chaos, Consulate would appreciate following information from Embassy or Department:
- 1.
- Is Consulate’s opinion correct that Soviets are in fact still responsible, from US Government viewpoint, in event two Chaos not allowed leave Dairen after passage arranged?
- 2.
- If opinion correct, is there any form of help or pressure which Embassy or Department able exert to enable them leave later (whenever passage again arranged)?
- 3.
- Is American Consulate position in Dairen sufficiently analogous to Soviet Mission in Japan to justify and warrant pressure in that direction (such as on arrival and departure of Soviet personnel and courier visitors)?
Soviets contend Dairen is subject to military control pending Japanese peace treaty, hence American Consulate must submit to Soviet military regulations. US also in military occupation of Japan until peace treaty and Soviets there presumably obliged abide by military regulations. It would seem that if Consulate personnel prevented move in and out of “free port” of Dairen similar restrictions could be applied to Soviets [in] Japan.
It realized Embassy and Department may not wish express opinion these points until proven two Chaos unable leave Dairen. However, same points are important re couriers as police may possibly refuse allow them land at Dairen if they do not come via Vladivostok, that is, if they come on diverted vessel or commercial ship such as in Tokyo telegram 276 to Department August 4 [5]52 not repeated Nanking. If such situation develops, no time telegraph Department. Hence it seems advisable for Consulate receive reaction of Embassy and Department now to points raised this telegram. Consulate then able avoid incorrect action if difficulties develop re two Chaos or couriers or both.
Sent Nanking 172; repeated Department, Moscow 12.