102.22/7–2949: Telegram
The Consul at Shanghai (McConaughy) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 29—12:56 p. m.]
2966. At 9 p. m. siege Consulate General building continues, 13 male American staff members dug in for night, Chinese employees permitted leave building. Acting on constructive suggestion from Cabot [in] Nanking, I met with 6 representatives of workers in first floor office at 5 p. m. ably assisted by Thomas, Supple and alien clerk Meyers interpreter. I made it clear I was there to explain Consul General position, not to discuss merits of case while I was under coercion, I expressed sympathy for plight of those without employment who were reported unable to support their families. I then said with all conviction I had no authority to negotiate, that I could act only as channel transmission and could not do that when under confinement, that Foreign Affairs Bureau was entirely responsible for delay in offering settlement proposed by Navy and that FAB also responsible for failure local regime to authorize entry Navy team with full powers to negotiate as proposed by Navy. I urged them abandon unlawful lock-in as worse than useless and to press FAB for entry permit for Navy team.
Workers rejected all these points as mere stalling. Said they knew Consul General had money and they were out to get it from us to meet their just demands. Said Consul General as representative US Government here must be held responsible for all US Government obligations especially those of Navy since Consul General had inherited some Navy assets. They inquired if US Navy “People’s Navy or Imperialist Navy”. Definite ideological cast to this statement and others indicate they have been well briefed in party line.
Group had no leadership and was incapable of responsible action. At one point said they would not molest us if we tried leave building. Few minutes later reversed this stand entirely. Said they and their families did not have enough to eat and they would stay in building until they died of starvation when Consul General would be responsible for their deaths.
One of group worked himself into state of hysteria, incited others with his screaming, brandished letter opener threatening suicide, lay down on floor. Many additional workers then crowded into room in threatening mood, blocked door with chairs, creating tight situation for several minutes. Workers refused allow me to leave room to return to upper floor. I strongly remonstrated with them. After several tense minutes they let me return my office on 4th floor. Thomas remained for another hour chatting in desultory fashion with them which greatly [Page 1251] eased tension. Workers now drafting petition to Navy which I have promised transmit if they vacate building forthwith.
Repeated Nanking 165, Canton 930, Peiping 230.