125.351/9–3049: Telegram
The Consul at Dairen (Paddock) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 1—4:08 p. m.]
306. Contel 296, September 21 sent when still hope effecting release Chao Yi-hsien. This now realized as impossible unless Department utilizes means other than now being tried.
Contel 305, September 28 sent when still believed departure Chao Shou-yu could be arranged. Now realized definitely impossible get exit visa for him unless Department able force Soviets to order Chinese police to issue it.
We thus at following impasse: (1) Yi-hsien cannot be freed; (2) Shou-yu cannot leave Dairen; (3) If he left behind by Americans, he immediately seized by police; (4) If Americans remain, he probably arrested anyway; (5) If Americans remain, local authorities will soon place even more stringent restrictions on them whether on basis of Dairen incorporation into CCP China or other excuse; (6) We not prepared for siege in Mukden style as stores long ago exhausted; (7) Although Soviets promised transportation for American officers to leave Dairen “in first days of October”, little reason to expect promise to be kept; (8) No assurance of exemption official mail from customs examination as well as personal luggage of Americans; (9) If luggage examined, it possible considerable humiliation will result as well as confiscation of whatever takes fancy of inspectors (see Contel 207, July 1175).
Consulate has no suggestion for solving impasse. Concerning specific point of Shou-yu, it would seem situation re Chinese staff at other posts is pertinent. However, it probable Chinese police here more vicious than elsewhere due Soviet training plus thorough indoctrination with anti-American propaganda.
It is believed advisable for Department to scrap all previous decisions and instructions re Dairen, review pertinent Contels, and decide next course of action. As stated in previous telegrams, Consulate believes Soviet position in Dairen to be highly vulnerable. It is difficult to believe that examination of that position would not reveal lever that would force Soviets to let Shou-yu go.
It is hoped Department will reply to this telegram within 12 hours after receipt. Consulate still convinced [deadline] to be date CCP government is established and Soviets grant recognition. Thus Consulate suggestions of Contel 305 still in order.
Sent Department 306, Department pass Moscow 166.
- Not printed.↩