893.111/8–2549: Telegram
The Consul at Dairen (Paddock) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 27—5:16 a. m.]
252. Chinese police refused exit permits to 11 Germans and 1 Italian listed Tokyo telegram 76 [276] to Department,56 repeated Berlin only. SS Harpalycus sailed yesterday.
Group made determined efforts get permits. Soviets insisted that although they willing for group to go decision lay with Chinese police. Only reason given by Chinese police for refusal was that they had not yet investigated Dairen foreigners enough.
For parallel case of only foreigner allowed so far to leave, see Contel 154 to Nanking, July 11, repeated Department 207,57 Moscow 116, Tokyo 18.
Department might consider advisability suggesting that Italian Ambassador at Moscow protest detention his national here—Carlo Polesello, Italian passenger, No. 746188–P issued April 21 last year by Italian CG,58 Shanghai, address Valletri 24, Rome.
Tripartite agreement June 25 (authorizing French Embassy, Nanking, to document and handle other questions affecting repatriation of Germans from China to Western Germany) may not be sufficient basis for French Ambassador at Moscow to query refusal of Soviets to allow these Germans to leave for Western Germany. However, situation would seem warrant such query at least in Berlin.
Note that passage on Harpalycus already paid Dairen to Liverpool, exit visas through UK arranged, and each of Germans possessed proper document to enter Western Germany. All details thus settled but still they not allowed leave.
Year and half ago Soviets told these and other foreigners they could leave Dairen whenever transport arranged. When Soviets turned over exit permits to Chinese police last May, each member this group again made proper application to that office but no answer received.
Consulate is not sending this telegram in behalf of this group. Matter has direct bearing on Contel 172 to Nanking, August 12, repeated Department 240, Moscow 128 re Consulate plans for departure its alien employees and re possible complications re courier entry and departure.
Also pertinent that Soviets seem be trying hard make Chinese in Dairen, and perhaps in China generally, believe that Chinese, not Soviets, are administering Dairen. Yet all evidence verifies Soviet [Page 903] domination all phases Dairen life. Depending on Department’s answer to Contel last paragraph, is perhaps worth while to emphasize whenever possible Soviet responsibility for Dairen.
It should be difficult for Soviets to justify their refusal (that is, of their agents, the police) to let this group foreigners leave despite previous Soviet promises they could go when transportation available.
Sent Department; repeated Nanking 181, Moscow 134, Tokyo 3, Berlin unnumbered.