120.34 Transportation/9–549: Telegram
The Consul at Dairen (Paddock) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 5—1:37 a. m.]
263. This continues immediately preceding telegram.
7. Chinese staff consists clerk Chao Shou-yu [with] no family, clerk Chao Yi-hsien with family of 5, messenger Lee Yun-ssu [with] no family, chauffeur Ma Hing-hwa with family of 5. Thus 14 Chinese and 2 Americans (not known if Lee and Ma will wish go).
8. All Chinese without passports except [Chao] Shou-yu who has expired Chinese passport. He and [Chao] Yi-hsien family have new passports in courier mail but these, of course, cannot now be received. These all must use some sort certificate which Soviets will recognize in lieu of passport.
9. Without couriers to accompany them, sufficient funds or passports, it useless now try get Chinese out ahead of Americans.
10. Soviet transit visa through Vladivostok for both Chinese and Americans, delays and difficulties are well known.
[Page 906]11. Re exit visa from Dairen, if decision is left to Chinese police, answer will be refusal re our Chinese staff (and possibly also for Americans). Local Soviets will not override that refusal unless instructed by Moscow.
12. Thus Consulate believes best if closing of Consulate first broached to Soviets at Washington or Moscow. Consulate will then inform local Soviets re closing and will apply for exit visas. However, Consulate should know type of transport to be used and how exit visas requested.
[13.] Specifically we want from Soviets:
- (a)
- Permission leave Dairen on whatever transport Department selects.
- (b)
- Exit visa for all staff who wish leave.
- (c)
- Recognition of certificate in lieu of passport for Chinese.
- (d)
- Laissez-passer to avoid customs examination for Americans.
- (e)
- Recognition Americans as couriers.
- (f)
- Transit visas through Vladivostok if we go that route.
14. Consulate is unable suggest effective approach to Soviets to ensure we receive all of above. Problem of exit visas described Contel 172, August 12,61 repeated Moscow 128. Background of Soviet military occupation of Dairen given Deptel 49 to Moscow January [February] 1.62
15. Closure of this Consulate may receive much publicity on basis isolation of Consulate, cooperation of Soviets, and exposed position of Consulate staff. Although propaganda along these lines effective in US and non-Communist Asia, it is uncertain if Soviet Government will consider issue important.
16. However, Soviet position with Chinese public possibly hurt by propaganda emphasizing their anomalous position, Dairen:
- (a)
- Military occupation due no Jap treaty.
- (b)
- Diplomatic relations with Nationalist China but no Nationalist officials allowed here.
- (c)
- Status of its Port Arthur–Dairen Executive Administration never explained. Some of its officials are in Northeast people’s government. Communist Party and other local organizations are mere branches of parent bodies in NE.
- (d)
- Soviets try make local populace believe this administration ruling Dairen and disclaim all responsibility out [about] such things as exit visas.
- (e)
- Yet Soviet civil administration office unchanged and no decreases in Soviet personnel. When Soviets give order, officials of Executive Administration obey. Whatever friction may develop from this situation, currently it is accepted.
17. Closing of Consulate affects paragraph 16 [garbled group]. If visas refused to Chinese staff, it would seem Department has legitimate [Page 907] basis for publicizing points in that paragraph. It thus appears to Soviet advantage to “persuade” Chinese police issue visas and arrange for all staff leave Dairen quietly. If Department believes this line of reasoning correct, it may provide arguable point with Soviets in arranging these visas.
18. Consulate hopes Department can arrange in 10 days the two problems of type of transport to be used and exit visas for Chinese staff.
19. Basis of Consulate desire for haste is recognition by Soviets of CCP soon as central government organized. Perhaps Department aware this not imminent but locally it constantly [apparent omission]. Since Chinese Communists regard Dairen as extension of Manchuria, we expect be kept in quarters after Soviet recognition of CCP same as apparently done to Mukden Consulate. As our provisions are exhausted and we bankrupt, we foresee long difficult period before Department arranges our departure. Since decision now made to close Consulate, we anxious leave before such recognition.
20. Moscow telegram 2093, August 19 should be given careful consideration. If Soviets hesitate to arrange for Chinese police to issue exit visas for our passportless Chinese staff, it is possible they could be persuaded do so if pointed out that without encumbrance of Chinese staff Department is much freer to arrange evacuation of Americans either by special diverted freighter or by naval vessel. If naval vessel of adequate size used, it could have useful propaganda effect not only here but throughout Manchuria.
Sent Department 263, repeated Nanking 189, Moscow 141.