893.85/10–2745: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Robertson) to the Secretary of State 99
[Received October 27—8:40 a.m.]
1878. Transportation is one of the most critical needs in China today affecting every phase of relief and economic rehabilitation. To illustrate only one aspect of situation, serious shortage of coal exist[s] in various coastal cities, threatening suspension of all public utilities, whereas ample coal is above ground to supply needs the [with?] shipping facilities available. The Chinese Government understands that there are some fifteen or twenty N–3 SA–2 2800–ton ships belonging [Page 599] to Maritime Commission now lying idle. The Government is willing to purchase these ships on such terms as the Maritime Commission considers fair. In other words it will take over the ships and allow the Maritime Commission to set the price. The ships are urgently needed immediately and the Embassy has been asked to request the Department to make personal appeal to President Truman to ascertain whether or not ships can be transferred by Executive Order without awaiting legislation by Congress. Embassy considers situation serious enough to fully warrant short circuiting any red tape that might be involved. Prompt action and reply is urgently and respectfully requested.
- Copy transmitted by teletype, October 29, by Henry L. Deimel of the Shipping Division to Huntington T. Morse, Assistant to the Administrator of the War Shipping Administration (Land), with a request for advice.↩