125.0093/2–249: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China ( Stuart )27
157. Dept continues of opinion expressed Deptel 128 Jan 28 that dependents should not return to China and thoroughly disapproves of action taken by officers concerned to effect return their families in clear contravention of Dept’s instructions and without awaiting Dept’s approval. However Dept does not wish to penalize dependents these officers by insisting they undergo another hazardous flight to Manila and authorizes Shanghai release these dependents for return Nanking immediately (urtel 290 Feb 1 rptd Shanghai 13028).
You are instructed submit full report this matter immediately with particular reference fol points: (1) were concerned officers and/or [Page 1224] dependents fully apprised of Dept’s position re return dependents to China as stated Deptel 128; (2) was there additional correspondence betw Embs Nanking and Manila this subj of which Dept not apprised indicating Nanking’s authorization of return on own responsibility. Dept wishes ascertain soonest where responsibility for this action should be placed.
- Repeated to the Consul General at Shanghai and to the Chargé in the Philippines as Nos. 176 and 130, respectively.↩
- Not printed; it stated: “Bennett, Kierman and Clough families arrived Shanghai by commercial air on February 1 before receipt Deptel 145, January 31 to Nanking, sent Manila 116 (reEmbtel 275, January 30). Will stay there pending Department’s decision which we request most urgently in view time factor here.” (123 Bennett, Josiah W.)↩