125.8576/7–649: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cabot) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 6—5:49 a. m.]
2614. Reourtel 2601.86 Threatened demonstration ex-Navy employees. Han Ming, mentioned ConGentel 2600, July 3, repeated Nanking [Page 1197] 1435, wrote letter today87 to Chang Han-fu, Chief FonAff Bureau, pointing out possibility of hostile demonstration with regrettable consequences. His letter characterized “more than one-half” of demonstrators as direct or indirect agents Kmt Secret Service Bureau. Apparently, Chang took immediate action basis this letter, for two special policemen began patrolling street near Consulate entrance at 1 p. m. today. At 2 p. m. detachment of about 25 Communist soldiers appeared. They are stationed across street from ConGen on both Peking Road and the Bund. They have not interfered in any way with legitimate callers at Consulate. Appear detailed solely for maintenance order. Ex-employees gathered at former Navy Club this morning, but dispersed voluntarily about time military guard assigned to ConGen. Spokesman for employees has made inquiries of ConGen today, but no threats. Undoubtedly stationing of military guard has had restraining effect on ex-employees though results of long continued detail of troops to guard ConGen might be undesirable. Military detail should also prevent violent action by ex-ECA chauffeurs, who renewed their threats this morning. Various small straws tend indicate wind blowing direction tacit Communist acceptance right foreign Consulates to modicum consideration.
Sent Department; repeated Nanking 1445.