102.22/6–1649: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cabot) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 16—9:54 a. m.]
2310. Dept pass CNO53 and ComNavWesPac. Consulate General transmitting separately plain language text of petition dated 14th delivered [Page 1169] 15th to Consulate General officers at meeting with 23 representatives former USN shore installation employees. Petition does not include external security force Glenline Building, clerical workers, etc.
Meeting with delegates carried out orderly fashion but undertones ominous. Spokesmen repeatedly stressed urgency immediate action since desperate circumstances some 400 laborers might precipitate uncontrolled mass action unless relief forthcoming by first next week. Accordance reliable intelligence source, this group planning mass visitation Consulate General 22nd or 23rd in absence settlement claims and considering invasion Consulate General commissary Glenline Building and residences administrative officer and AstALUSNA for food until satisfaction achieved.
At meeting with committee representatives Consulate General took position not authorized represent Navy any respect but could serve only as agency for transmission representations to Navy.
ReConGentel 2299, 16th, points 1 and 2 petition seem substantially correct. Most claim did not receive ComNavPortFac mimeographed notices 26 April which follows:
“Due circumstances unforeseen within past month it has become necessary terminate your employment with US Navy on date indicated on your notice of separation. I wish at this time express personally my sincere appreciation for initiative and loyalty you displayed and excellent service you performed while in employment my command. William V. Michaux, Captain US Navy.”
Since most employees still have badges and none have received termination notices port facilities regulations, as well as NCPI II 10.2–7, in their view substantiate claim for 2 weeks’ pay in lieu separation notice.
. . . . . . .
Regarding point 4, accordance published article British Consulate General officer did pay 6-month bonus personnel employed under police mediation. Separated civilian employees British Consulate General paid 1 month’s salary for each year’s service not to exceed 3 months’ salary. Committee representatives alleged Consulate General paying bonuses ex-Navy Sikhs employed temporarily. When this refuted with facts and representatives informed Sikh problem being handled thru Indian Consulate General (ConGentel 2205, 10th), representatives drew inference they not handled same fashion account lack Chinese Govt recognition.
… Further, that since no separation notices served they [the security guards] entitled 1 month’s salary bonus for each year service accordance Shanghai practice which Indian Consul General apparently supports. Also that 2 weeks’ pay in lieu notice accordance Navy regulations separate and apart from bonus to which entitled.
[Page 1170]Original petition office workers additionally state ComNavPortFac officers had recommended 2 weeks’ pay in lieu notice and those entitled should call Consulate General to check status this request.
Consulate General again reiterates request for list, with specific instruction regarding any settlement Navy is prepared to make to men involved. Unless these forthcoming immediately, repeat immediately, cannot assume responsibility for consequences altho planning destruction files, crypto equipment, etc., in event forcible entry premises.
- Chief of Naval Operations.↩