811.42700(R)/7–1449: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cabot) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 15—3:10 a. m.]
2774. Pass VOA, New York. Events past weeks indicate that paramount problem ConGen Shanghai is pressing need of working out formula for protecting Americans now in city. Olive case, siege ConGen by ex-Navy employees, increasing vigor anti-American sentiment in press, and mounting differences on part American firms in meeting demands of employees with attendant threats of violence in varying degrees by latter show that we cannot count on ordinary processes law and justice as commonly understood by western world. Assuming that higher Communist authorities realize undesirability of serious incidents of above type (an assumption which we do make and must make if Americans are voluntarily to stay here at all), it can be taken for granted they will be sensitive to charges that they are unable control subordinates. Reduced prestige which they would suffer under such publicized charges might, it is believed, prove more effective than any representations ConGen could make at Alien Affairs Department. From past experience USA officials who have had contact with Communists during war, many top Communists look upon themselves as scholars, gentlemen and soldiers—not bandits—and are anxious for world to consider them as such. Their fear of loss “face” in eyes of world through breakdown in vaunted party discipline might accomplish what threats of positive action at this juncture would fail to do.
Accordingly, suggest as desirable tactics for immediate employment and continuation as developments may warrant that through VOA, USA press editorial comment as well as in ordinary representations to Communist authorities, following line be stressed:
- (1)
- Communist authorities have lost “face” through their demonstrated inability persuade subordinates to carry out Mao Tze-tung’s word that foreigners would be protected;
- (2)
- A main requisite of de facto as well as de jure government is ability exercise complete control over people in territory it occupies. Such control obviously lacking since Communist authorities evidently unable control laborers or police personnel as demonstrated by events mentioned above. If Communist authorities do in fact control subordinates, must we then infer they willingly condone brutal actions which can only be compared to those committed against foreigners by Japanese in war period?
- (3)
- Public opinion polls in USA indicate that majority American people opposed to recognizing or trading with Communist regime under present conditions. It should be brought home that this feeling can only be intensified by misconduct towards Americans in China. Mention might also be made that Chinese Nationals are delighted at turn of events.
It is not suggested, of course, that Communist policy towards trade with West, foreign business or property interests in China would necessarily be affected by above recommendations; at best we could hope for more humane and understanding treatment of persons.
Sent Department; repeated Nanking 1559, Canton. Department pass Peiping 206.