893.801/9–449: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Charge in China (Strong)
TelCan 667. Re Cantel 1070, Sept 4. Has been reported to Dept that vessels various flags, including Chinese, Panamanian, Brit, Nor, and at least one US have entered Tsingtao in recent weeks without molestation.
View US attitude re Nats “closure” China ports, Dept and Maritime Comm have carefully avoided making statements to US shipping interests which could be construed as warnings against movements into ports Nats contend are closed. At same time all warnings issued by Nats and, in substance, reports of RCN interference with foreign shipping, have been published or brought to attn shipping cos. (As examples reports Emb’s attn invited Shanghai’s 2686, July 11 to Dept, rptd Canton 870; urtel 785, July 20;69 Navy tel CNO (DNI) 121932Z, passed Canton;70 Shanghai’s 3498, Aug. 27 to Dept, rptd Hong Kong 212.) In pointing out danger inherent to ship movements into “closed” ports, it has been made clear at all times that decision to enter such ports rests entirely with shipping cos and that info supplied only for purpose of enabling cos formulate best decision.
Foregoing may be used in replying Amer Mail Line inquiry.