125.3513/9–1649: Telegram
The Consul at Dairen (Paddock) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 18—4:50 a. m.]
291. Re immediately preceding telegram re arrest Chao Yi-hsien.
Contel 240, August 12 [13], asking Department’s opinion as to Soviet-Chinese police relations, not answered. See also Contels 252, August 25 and 257, August 28.
In event of interview with Chief of Civil Administration, I shall say it is Consulate’s opinion Soviets are responsible for all actions against American Consulate whether carried out by Soviets or through Chinese police. Latter regarded as branch of Soviet administration. Last Soviet statement re Dairen known to Consulate is that Soviets will remain in military occupation of Dairen until Japanese treaty. Deference to Soviet authority in Dairen City itself evident from presence of Soviet troops, Kommandatura and civil administration. Soviet relations with Nationalist China unchanged as Soviet Embassy still in Canton and Soviet ConGen continues functioning in Dairen although in Communist China Soviet Consulates closed. No public announcement ever made that Soviets have turned over control Dairen City to PA–Dairen Executive Administration to which Chinese police claim to be subject.
Sent Department; Department pass Nanking 204, Moscow 158.