125.3513/9–1649: Telegram
The Consul at Dairen (Paddock) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 18—4:10 a. m.]
290. Last night 7 p. m. Chinese police from station for this residence area summoned clerk Chao Yi-hsien accompany them. I did not learn of this until 2 hours later and then sent Gleysteen to police station to inquire reasons for police action. Police told him they had asked Chao few questions and released him before 8 p. m.
However, Chao has not returned. It is assumed he is in hands of police, whether Soviet or Chinese not known.
This morning I sent letter to Chief of Soviet Civil Administration asking on what grounds Chao detained. I urgently requested reply today by letter or interview. However, only reply was telephone call [Page 914] by junior officer who said chief refused both letter and interview and merely insisted matter for Chinese police without Soviet responsibility.
I have written saying Consulate cannot accept telephone call as official reply and again requesting letter in reply or interview. Deptel 64, May 13 designed for emergency of Chao arrest was commented on in Contel 201, July 6.
Consul unable suggest action to secure Chao release as Soviets acting on direct orders Moscow or else will not release him except on such instructions. It is feared if arrest is not protested effectively and immediately Soviets will be in still better position to prevent evacuation of radio operator Chao Shou-yu.
Sent Department. Department pass Nanking 203, Moscow.