Office of the Historian

393.1115 (M)/19: Telegram

The Consul at Mukden (Krentz) to the Secretary of State

Mukden, September 11, 1941—6 p.m.
[Received September 11—4:50 p.m.]

79. Treatment of Americans. A representative of the American Catholic Mission at Fushun today called at the Consulate General and reported:

1.
In the past few weeks the attitude of local authorities has become markedly hostile.
2.
The police instructed the mission to close at once three out stations near Fushun. The mission complied but requested a reason for the action, i. e., whether religious, because of freezing regulations or other reason. It was told that no reasons would be given—the stations were ordered closed.
3.
Through police calls at students’ homes, 110 out of 130 Chinese students in a primary school operated by the Mission were intimidated into discontinuing attendance. The police then called at the Mission and stated that as it was obvious that Manchurians did not want to attend the school it “had better” close down. No action has yet been taken in this regard.
4.
The Catholic Mission is located in the part of the town incorporated as the City of Fushun (Shih). Another part of the town is under Hsien Government. Americans at the Mission are required to obtain permits to go from the one part of town to the other and may obtain such permits only on days set aside for foreigners travel (1st, 11th. and 21st. of each month); this appears to be the reductio ad absurdum in restriction on foreigners.
5.
Early in August a Japanese detective who has been very friendly to the members of the Mission called privately to warn them that they should be very circumspect in all ways as the police had received orders from Hsinking to treat Americans more severely and would undoubtedly take advantage of any opportunity offered (see my 61, August 21, 11 a.m.).

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I am taking no action on these matters for time being at the Mission’s request inasmuch as the Bishop intends to come to Mukden on the next permitted day (September 21) to discuss with me the whole position and the future of the Mission in Manchuria.

Sent to Peiping. Repeated to Tokyo. Mail to Harbin, Dairen.

Krentz