121.5493/9–1349: Telegram
The Military Attaché in China ( Soule ) to the Secretary of State 85
[Received September 13—6:12 a. m.]
9611. Capt. John J. Christensen, Asst. AMilAt, Nanking, attempted discharge two servants 9 September for refusal take vaccination and dishonesty. While discussing termination settlement, Mrs. Christensen padlocked compound gate believing servants were planning departing with Christensen property. Gate locked from 1800 to 1915 hours when Capt. Christensen removed padlock in presence one servant. Servants remained on premises 21 Yi Ho Road overnight and following morning Capt. Christensen was requested telephonically by Foreign Affairs Section [of] Public Safety Bureau to appear with servants. Christensen then discovered servants had lodged complaint against him they were locked in from 1800 hours 9 September to 0800 hours 10 September, depriving them of their liberty during this entire period. Public Safety officials refused consider Christensen allegations against servants and questioned him from 1030 until 1600 hours without break. Christensen accompanied by Chinese interpreter remained in same room where no telephone available. No opportunity given them eat lunch or phone Embassy but Christensen did not request recess or use of phone. Christensen was requested sign confession and finally signed approximately as follows:
“I, John J. Christensen, admit that the gate at 21 Yi Ho Lu was locked during the hours of 1800 to 1915 hours on the evening of 9 September with the intention of retaining Wang, Chen, Tsai and Chiang. I admit that this was a violation of the Nanking People’s Law.”
The authorities refused to accept earlier draft including reason for locking gate and statement that case would be regarded leniently and [Page 829] concluded. Latter statement was originally stipulated but after statement signed Christensen told case was not closed. Statement finally signed after Christensen tired, thirsty, hungry. Christensen was never told could not leave or under detention or arrest but Public Safety asked for guarantor that Christensen would not leave Nanking and appear when summoned. After first suggesting Christensen send note by messenger for signature guarantee by Bacon, Public Safety then suggested he could go with messenger following to bring back guarantee. Christensen departed, followed in jeep by unarmed Public Safety officer. Without being informed of confession Bacon signed guarantee that Christensen would be available for questioning after eliminating word “summoned” and after being informed by PSB that guarantee did not imply Christensen under arrest, Christensen permitted depart. Public Safety, General Labor Union and Foreign Residents’ Employees Association insist servants remain on premises until case settled. Servants not performing duties and one attempted kill Christensen puppy dog evening 9 Sept. Whole day 11 September spent in fruitless discussion with Servants’ Union official. Unable agree basis for negotiation because official unable decide whether Christensen justified in discharging servants and even who were discharged as Union regards all servants discharged. Request being made to Alien Affairs Office to arrange basis for negotiation and get servants off premises. Christensen offered pay their maintenance without prejudice to their claims if they would move out but they refused and Union insists they remain. Servants demand 6 months’ pay.
Possible propaganda will be made by Communists on lock-in. Settlement of lock-in case and servant dispute being linked by Communists. We are trying keep two issues separate.
- Sent via Department of the Army.↩