125.633/12–1048: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Consul General at Hong Kong (Hopper)64
381. French Emb Washington reports French Amb Nanking has received message from French Consul Mukden stating after Ward refused surrender radio all US citizens Mukden were interned their houses.
Suggest member your staff informally approach Communists Hong Kong expressing surprise and serious concern that AmCon staff Mukden should be so treated emphasizing Ward has complied orders Mukden authorities cease use radio but since radio USGovt property it not subject seizure. In discussing with Communists he should not mention above source but attribute report to traveller who was in Mukden and he should give no indication action being taken on instructions from Dept.
In connection penultimate paragraph unnumbered Hong Kong tel Dec 6 sent Dept via Nanking,65 suggest Hong Kong informally and orally bring info attention appropriate British authorities who assumably would be interested exploring any feasible means establishing contact their ConGen Mukden.
[Page 845]Suggest Nanking inquire French Emb whether other info available re Ward and staff.