393.1115/9–1949: Telegram
The Consul at Shanghai (McConaughy) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:28 p. m.]
3932. Dr. Robert Henry, President American Association, handling [handing] following memo to Chang Han-fu, Director Alien Affairs Bureau SMCC, today; in verbatim text:
“The American Association, an organization of American citizens residing in Shanghai, has been informed that the local authorities are [Page 1343] withholding exit permits from a number of American citizens. For example, it has been brought to the attention of the Association that exit permits have been withheld from certain individuals on the sole ground that they are skilled technicians whose services are deemed useful to Shanghai. In other cases labor unions are insisting that exit permits be denied to certain business executives on the premise that these individuals should be held personally liable for any existing or future claims for which the labor organizations may consider the companies concerned responsible. It is the opinion of this Association that such reasons are not valid grounds for preventing American citizens from leaving China.
The American community through its Association invites the attention of the authorities to the fact that such refusal of exit permits constitutes a denial of the fundamental human rights of individuals concerned. Certainly law-abiding Americans who have endeavored to comply with local rules and regulations should not be denied the right of departure. Since the reasons for the refusals appear unwarranted, the withholding of exit permits is deeply disturbing to the entire American community and to their relatives in the United States.
In view of the scheduled arrival of the General Gordon on September 23, it is our earnest hope that the authorities will promptly review the situation with respect to exit permits described above and expedite their issuance. We are confident that justice will then be done.”
Please withhold publicity re above memo.