702.4193/12–849: Telegram
The Second Secretary of Embassy in China (Bacon) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 8—5:38 a. m.]
2559. Following two messages sent December 1 by British Pro-Consul [at] Mukden:
“Mr. L. Steventon presents his compliments to Chairman of North East People’s Government and informs him that he has now received instructions from his Britannic Majesty’s Embassy, Nanking, to assume custody of all US Government property and represent their interests in Shenyang. He further brings to chairman’s notice that he has not yet received reply to his previous requests for an interview with Mr. Ward or some other responsible member of his staff for purpose of checking inventories of property referred to.
“In order that he may follow instructions of his Embassy, he repeats request for interview and fullest facilities to permit him to perform necessary work involved.”
“Mr. L. Steventon presents his compliments to mayor of Shenyang and wishes to inform him that he has been instructed by his Britannic-Majesty’s Embassy at Nanking to accept custody of all US Government property and to represent American interests in Shenyang.
“Property of US Government in Shenyang is of considerable value-and quantity and it is necessary that inventories should be checked’ by him in company with responsible member of US ConGen. Some of property is in leased flats in British-owned Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank Building which since January, 1949, has been occupied by Transport Company whose employees have taken possession of flats-Flats were fully furnished in November 1948. To trace can only be accomplished by former occupiers.
[Page 1044]“In consideration of difficulties likely to be met with in assuming responsibility he requests that permission for an early interview with Mr. Ward be granted and all facilities be given to enable him to carry out such work as is necessary and satisfactory to his Britannic Majesty’s Embassy. He would greatly appreciate reply at mayor’s earliest convenience”.
Sent Department, repeated Peiping 425.