123 Ward, Angus I.: Telegram
The Consul General at Peiping (Clubb) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 30—8:13 a. m.]
1859. ReDeptel 750, October 28. Am sending letter Chou En-lai early tomorrow asking for interview himself or deputy “under instructions my Government.”
[Page 994]ReContel 1787, October 21.24 Last night saw … who reported Lo Lung-chi had feared take up Mukden matter direct with Chou but by indirect inquiries had obtained certain information considered by … reliable, indicating policy re Mukden is determined and hardly alterable.… said (indubitably against background Lo [Lung-chi]) there is difference between authority exercised by Chou in China proper and in Manchuria. Chou would probably be unable do anything change policy; would have to refer question elsewhere, perhaps Mao Tse-tung.25 Acknowledged in response question perhaps even Soviets might have be consulted. Reason for holding consular staff unclear, but perhaps designed keep them there until certain information they possess has lost its value. Will be released in good time but this probably means end this year or next spring. Indications are authorities have grasped excuse of minor incident bring Ward and others before People’s Court. They may now be found guilty, forced make compensation injured party, then sent out of country—which would be good denouncement. … concluded that all foreigners of countries failing recognize China will find it harder going henceforth, but Peiping should still be better than Mukden. Indicated that he was for present largely breaking off contacts with such foreigners…
Re penultimate paragraph Deptel, note that it has already been publicly announced Ward and others to be tried by People’s Court. This was presumably decided even at time matter was first made public October 25, otherwise incident which had occurred 2 weeks before would have passed without publicity. Believe demand in circumstances, for immediate release would bring so definitely into play question Communist “sovereignty” and competence court that it could only aggravate situation, fail of aim and perhaps lead to increased sentences. Therefore, request authority change that request to representations pointing to established international law and practice, noting regular presence guards over concerned Americans, indicating case is of such character that it should be possible readily settle matter in accord law and established practice even without court action, requesting that Ward et al. be given opportunity see British Consul-acting on behalf American interests Mukden and that on settlement matter, Ward and other employees and dependents Mukden office will promptly be given transport facilities for withdrawal themselves and effects from China.
Believe also that it would be preferable in present interview (if obtained) omit reference Communist hostility; that efforts should be made in such first interview put matter on reasonable basis and obtain clarification and progress toward our goal of getting Mukden staff [Page 995] out of China; and that particularly because of possible developments before hypothetical date of interview, my authority should be left flexible to permit me develop matter in interview largely at own discretion. Therefore, likewise recommend restraint in official statements to press, though feel it would be well now review briefly situation to show men have been virtually prisoners for nearly year, that they were under guard at time alleged incident, that certain charges have been made, but their own version unreported, that matter their position was brought attention Communist authorities Peiping after establishment Communist government in note to Chou (which might now be released without further comment), that Department is following new development closely and endeavoring first obtain clarification, and that British consular representative Mukden has asked see Ward and others.
Note possibility Soviets may be behind delay after June 21 and line development present incident. Matter in such case would reflect higher policy directed and still unknown. Real design as regards use to be made of incident respecting consular personnel should shortly be discernable. Note offense of itself, even if as charged, hardly warrants serious action against Ward et al., and that after 1 year of incarceration, it would be hardly congruous try develop espionage charges. One might deduce from sequels to previous similar Communist outbursts that this development may be procedure designed by Communists to get them credit for “ejecting imperialist elements from China”. But flexibility on American side seems requisite for immediate present.
Believe, if interview not forthcoming within week, I should make written representations along lines indicated above.
Please instruct.