125.953/12–2449: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (McConaughy) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 24—2:25 a. m.]
5370. Sevaldson, Tsingtao manager Standard-Vacuum, left there December 19, arrived Shanghai December 23, and reported following December 24:
Hawthorne and staff applied exit permits September 15. Mid-October authorities raised issue disposal navy carbines left with ConGen. Sevaldson claims has definite knowledge Hawthorne burned stocks, sank metal parts weapons after Communist regulations issued re registration firearms. Chinese staff ConGen reported weapons to local authorities who have persistently questioned Hawthorne re disposition in connection exit permits but not yet lodged formal charges for violation regulations. Sevaldson of opinion they will try Hawthorne in court and issue deportation order. Hawthorne unable produce evidence or witnesses of disposal. Hawthorne and staff free to move about but closely shadowed. US flag removed from ConGen about 2 weeks ago and replaced by Communist emblem. Sevaldson unaware Hawthorne has established telephone contact Nanking.
[Page 1155]At Hawthorne’s request Sevaldson informed me Hawthorne had received information from Communist Foreign Affairs Bureau first week December that Smith-Bender safe and well, confined at (Ta-chiang — Great Harbor?) large Communist military base just outside Tsingtao.
Sevaldson claims all foreigners desiring exit China from Tsingtao must first proceed Shanghai. Also reports Tsingtao dead city with shops closing, large number unemployed and population yearning for return of navy and marines.
Re Deptel 2412, December 13,27 Nanking telegram 2618, December 19.
Sent Department 5370; Department pass Nanking 2072.
- Not printed.↩