893.5045/6–1749: Telegram

The Consul General at Shanghai (Cabot) to the Secretary of State

2313. Shanghai Evening Post stoppage June 15 originated over lack formula for settlement wage dispute. Considering workers’ demands unfair, editor54 suggested refer issue to Labor Department of MCC. Latter organ agreed look into matter next morning which [Page 1171] failed satisfy workers and led them block entrance building and detain editor and assistant. After threatening closure paper, editor finally released late evening June 14. June 15 editor left paper on presses including his story of June 14 events which workers objected to publishing. Editor, considering their refusal take paper as made up constituted strike, then left premises saying he would not return work until workers returned work. Matter understood still stalemated.

Consul General hopes matter may be settled quickly with minimum publicity as magnification issue may jeopardize paper and all American correspondents as well as play into hands of elements anxious to embarrass foreign firms and organizations including (Consul General) through encouragement labor demonstrations. To this end suggest that especially desirable that matter not be played up by VOA or AFRS.55

Repeated Canton 730, Nanking 1221.

Cabot
  1. Randall Gould, American citizen.
  2. Armed Forces Radio Station.