124.933/9–1549: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in China (Jones) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 17—3:46 a. m.]
2107. Embtel 2106, September 15 refers to Embtel 2077, September 13. Aliens Affairs Office summoned Bennett, myself this morning. Official stated after conference with Embassy employees AAO felt it desirable to settle as quickly as possible labor dispute pending Embassy. He therefore suggested we meet with employees at Labor Union today. I asked if subject of our present discussion was labor dispute or my exit permit. Official replied former. I said that Embassy was most anxious settle labor dispute and would of course send representative to Labor Union at any time latter so designated. We added that neither Bennett nor I had been involved in labor discussions with Embassy Committee and therefore we personally would not appear but that qualified representative of Embassy, to deal on behalf of Department with employees, would be present. AAO official emphasized desirability my and Bennett’s presence. We reiterated that we would send qualified representative; and that Embassy must reserve right to decide who would represent it in labor discussions. AAO replied that settlement of labor dispute was most important issue and hoped that I would make every effort to bring dispute to early conclusion; he added that he had just received call from Labor Union and that Embassy employees’ representatives were waiting there to discuss dispute.
I then asked if I could discuss question of my exit permit to which official consented on condition I be brief since Embassy employees were already waiting for us as pointed out. Briefly I emphasized point that I had made application for exit permit, that I had demonstrated clearly both to AAO and Embassy employees full authority and responsibility of Bacon to conduct and settle any labor dispute after my departure from China; and that my presence in, or absence from, China would have no effect on final settlement of labor dispute and that I would regret very much to see my departure from China tied closely to final settlement of pending labor dispute of Embassy. [Page 833] Official replied that since labor dispute was in process of negotiation he was unable to make any comment on my statement.88
Department please pass information Peiping.
Sent Department 2107; repeated Shanghai 1147.
- In telegram No. 2126, September 18, the Counselor reported exit permits for himself and Mr. Bennett were received the evening of September 17 (123 Bennett).↩