123 Olive, William M.: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cabot) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 8—12:46 p. m.]
2661. Re Vice Consul W. M. Olive arrest. Afternoon July 7, a consular officer called upon a close foreign contact including police to discuss case. Contact was pessimistic and stated Olive’s obstreperous attitude complicated case to extent that effective action could not be taken. He said that since every department in police stations is now under supervision of Communists, police intervention could not be made; since he now could not trust many of his closest former colleagues, inquiry into case would have to proceed with caution. Together consular officer and representative called on a department head of Chinese police at his home and again discussed case. The Chinese was quite shocked at Olive’s action and called case hopeless so far as early release is concerned. Stated if Olive insisted on his rights as a Vice Consul and member of American Consulate, case would assume a political color and be immensely implicated [complicated?]. He also of opinion that if there are Consulate markings on jeep, that fact would be involved in case.
Both contacts advised strongly that Consulate General consider seriously advisability of treating case as purely civilian incident in which Consulate General has no responsibility. They were of opinion that initial Consulate General interference only magnified case in eyes [Page 1209] of police authorities and any subsequent interference would have no beneficial effect unless case does not assume political importance.
Suggested that only presently effective line of action would be Mrs. Olive write in Chinese petition addressed to Commissioner of Police and deliver to Foreign Affairs Commission of Police by Mrs. Olive in person. This would eventually be given to above Chinese contact who would take whatever action possible as circumstances permit. The petition should be written in sentimental way in which she declares her love, worry, concern for her husband, admits that some trouble must have occurred and that she sincerely apologizes for what he did, indicating his actions were result of his great concern for her health, asserting she has been seriously ill for several weeks. Contacts could not indicate result of such petition but opined it might be of great assistance.
Contacts stated that a doctor would not be permitted to see Olive. They were confident he would be held for several months before sentence and sentence could be several months more or even year.
Consular representative plans dinner with contact tonight at which time official as well as unofficial police version of story will, it is hoped, be provided.
Sent Department, repeated Nanking 1480.