893.852/7–546
Colonel Marshall S. Carter to the Secretary of State
Subject: Information on Transfer of 10 Liberty Ships to Chinese Flag
Dear Mr. Secretary: General Marshall desires that no press release be issued on the above subject.
However, in the event queries arise from the press, they may be answered along the following lines:
“Mr. C. E. Stillson of Detroit, Michigan, Director of Shipping Control Authority, and Mr. R. R. Spence, Acting Regional Director of War Shipping Administration, on 29 June turned over to the Chinese Government control of 10 Liberty ships. Mr. W. H. T. Wei, Assistant General Manager of the Chinese Merchants Steam Navigation Company, accepted for the Chinese Government. The first of these ships was taken over last February by Chinese crews. They have operated along the coast from Indo-China to Hulutao, and up the Yangtze River as far as the city of Hankow. The Chinese crews during these operations have established an excellent safety record.”
It is requested that any additional information required be coordinated with this office.
Sincerely yours,