125.6336/2–1849: Telegram

The Ambassador in China ( Stuart ) to the Secretary of State

412. We do not believe Chinese messenger is satisfactory substitute for despatch of FSO12 to Mukden to relieve officer there and break Consulate’s long period, silence. It would, of course, be necessary apply appropriate permits, including Manchurian, to local authorities and if granted will permit Manhard and colleague access to Mukden and to consular compound which has thus far been denied apparently to all Chinese (see Peiping’s 208, February 10 to Department13). Refusal [Page 938] permits would at least further clarify Communist attitude US official function areas China occupied by them (re Peiping’s 218, February 12).

We feel if it is not possible to relieve Ward’s16 staff by Manhard or other officer or otherwise communicate with him, Department should give serious consideration to withdrawal of our consular staff Mukden as hazardous to health, welfare American officers [and] employees, undignified sovereign power continue submit such treatment, and useless expenditure public funds and waste of Foreign Service personnel.

Re Peiping’s unnumbered telegram February 8, 2 a.m.16a to Department, repeated Nanking, Canton, Shanghai, and Peiping’s 218 to Department, Embassy has no knowledge of Ward having used his radio equipment for transmission messages behalf Chinese Government agencies prior its seizure November 18.

Sent Department, repeated Peiping 55.

Stuart
  1. Foreign Service Officer.
  2. Not printed.
  3. Angus I. Ward, Consul General at Mukden.
  4. See telegram 192, February 8, p. 936.