893.801/6–2249: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai ( Cabot ) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 22—9:23 p. m.]
2415. On June 21, Master [of] General Gordon informed manager APL6 who boarded vessel at Woosung that at 0815 hours same morning two P–51 planes circled his ship and strafed the quarantine vessel lying nearby but no casualties. Presumably same planes attacked Anchises. 7 Master Gordon intercepted Anchises radio message to their Shanghai agents informing of attack and relayed information to APL head office San Francisco who ordered him omit Shanghai and proceed immediately Hong Kong.
Gordon sailed for Hong Kong 1440 hours June 21. On return trip Shanghai by launch APL manager personally inspected Anchises; vessel beached Gough Island and down by stern to after rail. Stern extends out into river but does not obstruct channel. Shanghai Dockyards Ltd. have repair crew working on ship. SS Foochow with same agents Butterfield and Swire8 arrived Shanghai wharf 1145 hours today. This regardless another bombing Woosung area this morning. Ships known to have been diverted from Shanghai are American, California Bear, due June 21, President Pierce, due June 25, Oregon Mail, due June 27, Philippine Rebeverett, due June 26, Norwegian Burnside, due June 21; some others still uncertain.
No further news tanker Rum River. Texas tanker Paulus Hook destined Shanghai now Hong Kong waiting orders.
Sent Department, repeated Nanking 1298, Canton 775, Department pass CNO9 Washington.