125.351/9–2749: Telegram
The Consul at Dairen (Paddock) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 28—5:36 p. m.]
303. Chief of Civil Administration today in interview said departure of Americans of Consulate staff would be arranged on foreign freighter due here “in first days of October”. Matter of examination of official mail and personal luggage not yet decided. Departure of Chinese clerk Chao Shou-yu for Chinese police to decide, not Soviets. He did not know name or destination of freighter.
I said it certain Department would not permit me leave if official mail subject to examination; personal luggage, however, matter of international courtesy and I could not insist on exemption. Also I absolutely unable go without Chao Shou-yu; however, I said I would have him make application for exit visa at Chinese police at a branch of Soviet Administration in Dairen.
Although Chief definite about our departure on this ship, Department should note that it presumably still for captain to decide if he gives us passage. It hoped matters now arranged for our departure but it realized many opportunities for Soviets to delay it until CCP government organized.
Answers still needed last paragraph Contel 301.
Sent Department 303. Department pass Moscow 163.