893.00/6–348: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cabot) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 3—6:58 a. m.]
1242. All classes at St. John’s University formally suspended today for balance term as result decision reached last night at faculty meeting. Action taken on grounds school authorities have lost control situation and no longer able maintain discipline. Final examinations moved up from June 21 to June 9. Consulate General informed school will not reopen until administration has been strengthened through reorganization and authorities feel confident institution will not in future be utilized as political arena. President Tu has submitted formal resignation upon which action by board directors still pending; however, there is apparently little doubt but that it will be accepted. Recalcitrant student minority behind agitation held press conference yesterday at which American faculty members blamed for “interference in Chinese student affairs”. In notice posted on campus, students stated they would ask Government nationalize St. John’s. They are further demanding reinstatement chairman and vice chairman student council who were dismissed for disobeying order banning May 31 meeting.
Press reports anti-American agitation has flared up again at Chiao-tung and Fuhtan Universities.
Meeting of university presidents, city councillors, press, et cetera, [Page 272] called yesterday for viewing confiscated anti-Government posters (re Consulate General’s 992, June 2 [1], repeated Department 1234), devoted to discussion of means for dealing with problem student discipline, but appears to have been unproductive.
Sent Nanking 1003, repeated Department 1242.