125.351/9–149: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul at Dairen (Paddock)59
131. Dept has reached decision to close Consulate at Dairen as soon as necessary arrangements can be made. No publication yet being-given to closure therefore you shld not make closure known to other than yourself and Gleysteen.
Dept is particularly anxious that all possible measures be taken to assure the departure of loyal Chi employees and their families simultaneously with the Amers. Propose if possible transfer Chi staff including radio operator to other China post. However, give no promise continued employment after evacuation. Could Chi staff be evacuated before announcement made of closing.
[Page 904]Inform Dept possibility obtaining exit visas for Chi and Amer staff, transportation facilities available, proposed routes of travel, whether difficulties anticipated obtaining exit visas for Chi staff, recommendations on possibilities selling, evacuation or storing Govt-owned property. View cost evacuating Govt property do not anticipate evacuation property where evacuation cost exceeds value property. What do you recommend on Brit interest Dairen.
Courier not being sent Dairen. Inform Bangkok disposition desired mail supplies held for Dairen.
Closing instrs will fol soonest after receipt ur recommendations.
Sent Dairen. Rptd Nanking, Shanghai, OffEmb-Canton, Moscow, Tokyo, Bangkok.
- Repeated to the Ambassador in the Soviet Union as telegram No. 613.↩