Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, The Far East: China, Volume VIII

123 Jones, J. Wesley: Telegram

The Counselor of Embassy in China (Jones) to the Secretary of State

Nanking, September 13, 1949—10 a. m.
[Received September 13—4:52 a. m.]

2071. Exit permits for USIS Director Bennett and myself⁸² are being delayed by Nanking Public Safety Bureau because current labor dispute alien employees. When I responded along with other Embassy officers to invitation from PSB⁸³ to pick up my completed exit permit September 10, I was told there would be some delay in my case, that there was unsettled labor dispute at Embassy; that Embassy employees’ representatives had asked PSB in writing to withhold exit permits from Bennett, Bacon⁸⁴ and me until labor dispute settled. Suggestion was made however that if my guarantor willing accept responsibility and that arrangement satisfactory to employees permit would be issued.

I immediately convened Embassy Committee who admitted they had written PSB September 2 as result decision mass meeting employees August 25. I was assured, however, step taken because general fear all officers leaving and no responsible official remaining Nanking settle claims. When I explained Bacon would assume charge my departure and have full authority responsible all Embassy activities they appeared to be satisfied and agreed that I could so state and that they would so indicate to Public Safety Bureau when approached. On my second call Public Safety Bureau September 12, I found neither side had moved and case same status. After discussions, long consultations with each other Public Safety Bureau suggested another letter from employees withdrawing September 2 letter or agreeing to assumption responsibility by guarantor. I then had second meeting with Embassy Committee, told them what Public Safety Bureau required from them and stated I expected that they would comply. Again they appeared to agree Bacon’s assumption charge met their requirements. Three of Committee left meeting to call at PSB ostensibly to counteract effect September 2 letter but subsequent report confirms our suspicions Committee has no intention of taking positive action to relieve situation.

I feel we have exhausted all reasonable channels of finding amicable solution problem our exit permits and must now place responsibility on local authorities for their refusal issue. Consequently plan call PSB and Aliens Affairs September 13 to protest delay issuance Bennett’s and my permits. Will report further at which time Department may wish consider giving appropriate publicity. Also suggest immediate assistance Peiping ConGen in bringing this official acquiescence in blackmail tactics to attention central authorities.

Sent Department 2071; repeated Shanghai 1120.

Jones

82. In telegram No. 1762, August 11, Mr. Jones requested transfer out of China, in view of the fact that he had been separated from his family for more than the maximum period of one year for officers in China. (123 Cory, Thomas J.)
83. Public Safety Bureau (Communist).
84. Leonard L. Bacon, Second Secretary of Embassy.