123 Colling, Guy Thomas: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai ( Cabot ) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 22—6:44 a. m.]
2408. Morning June 21 Chinese employee Albert R. D. Chen who resigned in lieu preferment charges February 1948 appeared entrance Glenline Building demanding see me personally re settlement grievance of over 1 year’s standing which consistently courteously handled by officers my staff. Upon learning could not see me personally, Chen became obstreperous, threatening personal violence ConGen administrative officer and using insulting language to FSS Guy Colling at reception desk. Chen finally left indignantly toward close office hours. He was not touched by Colling or guards at entrance.
Yesterday June 21 two detectives Whangpoo police station accompanied by MCW [MCC?] representative called at ConGen with Chen asking Colling proceed with them to Whangpoo police station to appear before Deputy Commissioner. Colling advised to not go unless and until formally summoned on basis written complaint.
Today police detective called to serve subpoena on Colling to appear before Commissioner between 8 and 8:30 a. m. tomorrow on charges assault and battery Chen. Acting upon assumption Colling as FSS clerk not immune from prosecution for personal acts, he advised accept subpoena and appear. Detective tended minimize incident but insisted Calling should appear before Commissioner and apologize to Chen.
Would appreciate Dept’s instructions particularly regarding two points:
- (1)
- Colling was acting under my personal orders in refusing admittance to Chen and as such was perhaps performing official acts immune from local jurisdiction. I, of course, did not authorize any violence but this is question of fact not law although I am satisfied that no violence occurred. In any case incident occurred on consular premises and as result of Chen’s behavior.
- (2)
- Does any question regarding official acts arise from fact that Colling is clerk, not officer of ConGen?
Unless Dept instructs contrary before 8 a. m. Shanghai time tomorrow, Colling will appear before deputy Whangpoo commissioner Hou Chih-wu, former officer PLA and now MCC, accompanied by witnesses and ConGen officers. Colling instructed relate full facts which amply substantiated witnesses but not apologize nor agree any settlement short complete exoneration. Commies may seek to use this alleged incident for propaganda purposes but I propose to take every means in my power to secure Colling’s complete exoneration. Already mentioned incident at meeting GOI [local?] consular body for which I was leaving at moment summons arrived.
[Page 1175]Feel Dept should immediately consider means which might be employed to back up ConGen either in this incident or if matter of ex-Navy employees get out of hand. Frankly see little justification for maintenance of ConGen Shanghai if this will merely result in making us target for humiliating incidents and propaganda. However, I am by no means satisfied this is Commie purpose at moment. On contrary, am inclined to believe they will seek means to avoid incident if we are courteous but firm.
Sent Department; repeated Nanking 1292.