125.353/9–1449: Telegram
The Consul at Dairen (Paddock) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 16—3:47 a. m.]
289. Consulate informed Chinese staff today re closing post but instructed them not repeat this information (except for this and landlord’s agent no publicity given by Consulate re closing).
It verified that Chao Yi-hsien and Chao Shou-yu definitely want go with us.
Talks with chauffeur and messenger indicated they probably able withdraw into general Chinese population without too serious difficulty with police. Hence, Consulate did not suggest possibility of their evacuation. They will be discharged upon closing post.
Moscow telegram 2255, September 9 to Department received only today. Following points in reply to last paragraph: Chao Yi-hsien employed 1922 by American Consulate Antung which closed 1927. Next year he employed Dairen Consulate, remaining until now. Thus, approximately 27 years (minus war years when Consulate closed). Consul Chase70 in special despatch cited [him for his?] able work when post under considerable pressure by Japanese police. After Americans repatriated he was in Japanese jail long time.
Chao Shou-yu has worked for USIS since war in Shanghai and was transferred here on basis of being replaced within 6 months.
Sent Dept 289. Dept pass Moscow 156, Nanking 202.
- Augustus Sabin Chase, Consul at Dairen, 1939–December 7, 1941.↩