125.7143/4–1549: Telegram
The Consul General at Peiping (Clubb) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 15—6:24 a. m.]
625. Deptel 162, March 28. On night April 13–14 residence USIS director’s assistant Chang Tung and other USIS employee Wang Jui-hui was visited by party comprising 2 police, 1 soldier, 7 Communist Party workers. Party was met at door by Wang who, after identifying himself, was told return to quarters and remain there, that matter did not concern him. Quarters Chang thoroughly searched and Chang himself taken away at 2 in morning. Three guards were stationed over residence yesterday and phone inquiries made by USIS when employees failed appear elicited information from unidentified persons Wang was sick and Chang had been caused depart Peiping suddenly on business. Messenger check however disclosed presence 3 guards at gate and showed general nature situation.
Wang returned to work this morning, stated Chang still unreturned hut Chang’s wife remaining on premises. Guards now withdrawn.
Wang reports he was told by Party member “case very important” without indication why.
Chang was formerly employed by OWI55 and went from OWI service directly into USIS.
Information obtained from Communist seeking information through alien governmental employee indicated Communists suspicious of Consulate Japanese transcasts [translator] Sakimura, considering him “spy”.
Same source indicated Communists interested in suspected radio transmittal by Consulate of messages for other Peiping Consulates.
Although doubt there could be discovered slightest evidence to support charge of “harboring Kmt war criminals”, that Communists would be able turn up employees with BIS connections of course possible.
Repeated Nanking 389, OffEmb Canton 54, Shanghai 422.
- Office of War Information.↩