123 Ward, Angus I.: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 4—11:04 a. m.]
2764. Although deeply aware urgently critical situation Consulate General Mukden arising from detention Ward and four staff members [Page 1004] (Deptel 766, November 2 to Peiping, repeated Moscow 814), we believe approach to Soviet Foreign Office will in all probability prove fruitless, and aside from opportunity it would give Soviets to proclaim their noninterference Chinese Communist affairs, might even react Ward’s disadvantage if Soviets should then feel their interest to support such disclaimer with tangible evidence of Ward’s continued imprisonment and persecution.
We note Radio Bulletin report that Clubb has been instructed contact highest authorities Peiping and we think this channel has only possibility success. Presume Clubb will endeavor convey to Chou En-lai impossibility of giving serious consideration to recognition question while CPG50 continues ignore basic principles international law, for example in treatment accorded our personnel Mukden, stressing pointless damage to CPG position through failure to release personnel and permit them to withdraw from Mukden.
Sent Department 2764; Department pass Peiping 18.
- Central People’s Government (Communist).↩