125.633/6–2949: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cabot) to the Secretary of State
[Received, June 29—10:41 a. m.]
2544. Letter received today from Ward and other members Mukden staff for forwarding. Confirmation copy of telegram to Clubb dated June 6 states: “Entire American and alien staff continue under arrest imposed noon November 20 by Mukden Military Control Committee. All in surprising good health and spirits notwithstanding arduous conditions our incarceration. Have been without requested dental and medical treatment and inoculations and vaccination during confinement.[“] In personal letter to me dated June 12 Ward refers to letter I wrote March 4 which was delivered June 4. First communication from outside since November 20. First telegram received June 6. Ward continues that nothing has been or could have been done as yet to pack up and leave. Written communications local authorities [Page 972] have gone unheeded since November 9. Permission requested [in?] April to purchase lumber, nails, et cetera is according to jailers being “studied by appropriate authorities”. Letter continues: “Even though we may desire to close this office, I am not at all certain that this desire is reciprocated by all concerned. Our presence here does serve in some measure as a counterbalance. Both my staff and I have enough of Mukden to last us for some time but we are nevertheless willing to remain here until our replacements arrive, therefore failing knowledge of the actual wording of the order regarding the closing of this office I suggest that the order not be categoric but effective upon the final departure of the principal officer. Of course our status of being neither fish nor flesh may go on for some time but we have withstood the stress thus far and can continue to do so for a further period.”
From somewhat cryptic references Ward evidently ascribes his incarceration to break between Soviets and US. He says: “Morale is superb along [among?] Americans but not among aliens.” Request cancellation TO79 9–10589 dated July 28, 1948 because he cannot enter statutory leave status prior to June 30. He requests letter be acknowledged by telegram which we have done. Sends regards to Butterworth.
Repeated Nanking 1390.
- Travel order.↩