Office of the Historian

393.1115/8–1849: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Hankow (Callanan)

Washington, August 23, 1949—7 p. m.

66. Reurtel 271 Aug 18, rptd Nanking 211, Shanghai 118. Despite present unfavorable outlook for travel and issuance exit permits, you shld proceed with notification Amers and preparations closure office. Since there appears no prospect early amelioration of situation, requests for travel permits shld be pressed in endeavor secure departure earliest possible date Amers wishing to leave. What steamer travel Hankow–Nanking is available and wld request of Natl Govt for safe passage vessel to Nanking be necessary?

FYI,94 APL95 agent Shanghai in response demand Amers other foreigners shipping space has announced Gen Gordon can call Shanghai mid-Sep.96 Foreigners there now applying exit permits, few of which issued to date. APL agent states Commie auths have agreed entry of vessel but wish more info passengers and freight. FonOff Canton has informed EmbOff no objection call of evacuation vessel Shanghai to take on passengers. Assuming no hitch in permits for entry vessel from Natls and Commies, chief question is whether number exit permits granted will be sufficient warrant vessel’s call. Hope is to have further vessels, possibly including coastal steamers from Hong Kong, visit Shanghai this purpose.

Acheson
  1. For your information.↩
  2. American President Lines.↩
  3. See telegram No. 2946, July 28, 7 p. m., front the Consul at Shanghai, vol. ix, p. 1276.↩