861.77 Chinese Eastern/400: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in China (MacMurray)
Washington, October 17, 1929—5
p.m.
337. Department’s 319, September 27, 4 p.m., and your 884, October 14, 6 p.m.
- 1.
- I feel greatly concerned over the treatment being accorded to the Russian prisoners and the prospect of their detention for an indefinite time. In the hope that it might bring pressure on the Chinese authorities to improve their condition and to effect the liberation of some of the prisoners, I am considering the advisability of releasing to the Press the information obtained by the Consulate at Harbin. News items concerning this subject have already appeared, but not as emanating from this Department. I note that the American Vice Consul on his visits to the prisoners camps has been accompanied by journalists.
- 2.
- I desire your opinion concerning the advisability of effecting the release of this information. I wish to avoid bringing any unfavorable reaction on the American Consulate at Harbin. I also wish to avoid, of course, anything which might adversely affect the step taken by the German Government which formed the subject of your telegram 884, October 14, 6 p.m. In this connection you are informed that an official of the German Foreign Office on October 12 handed an officer of the American Embassy the text of the notes telegraphed by the German Government on October 7 to the Chinese and Soviet Governments and simultaneously expressed the hope that the Department would adopt a friendly attitude toward the project; he said also that it would be most helpful to have the support of the American Press.
- 3.
- Are the “concentration camp,” mentioned in your 825, September 13, 5 p.m., and the “prisoners of war camp,” mentioned in your 858, October 4, 3 p.m., the same?
Stimson