393.115/9–1449: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Hong Kong (Rankin)
939. Fol tel, Sep 14, 1949 to Sec State from Isbrandtsen Co., Inc. NY quoted ur info:
“We are dispatching our steamer Flying Independent of American registry from Hong Kong 15th of Sep with cargo for Shanghai, Taku Bar and Japan as part of regular schedule of our steamers in the Far Eastern trade. Master has been instructed to accept lawful commercial merchandise only. Vessel holds permit from Shanghai and Taku Bar authorities to enter. In view confusing report interference at river’s entrance by vessels of uncertain status we request that a naval escort be provided from our fleet there. We have sent this telegram simultaneously to the Chief of Naval Operations. Please give the needful instructions to our Master care Pattison [at] Hong Kong [and] have already requested Master confer with Admiral Badger [at] Hong Kong. We are requesting this protection in accordance with the position you have already taken that our Govt does not recognize ineffectual interference or blockade of Chinese ports.”
Fol is Dept’s reply to Isbrandtsen Co., Sep 16, 1949:
“Reurtel dated Sep 14, 1949 concerning the intentions of ur co to dispatch vessel Flying Independent into Shanghai. As you are already aware the United States Govt does not recognize the Chinese Nationalist Govt’s purported blockade of Chinese ports. The Dept of State has, however, attempted to make available to US shipping cos, ship operators, and masters all reports indicating the nature and extent of interference with foreign shipping by the Chinese Navy. The Dept’s purpose in supplying this info is and has been to enable shipping companies and masters to formulate the best decisions. The Dept wishes to make clear that it considers the decision to move vessels into Chinese ports to rest entirely with the shipping cos and masters.
It is not the policy of this Govt to convoy commercial shipping into Shanghai or other Chinese ports. In consequence, you are advised that no naval escort will be provided for the projected movement of the Flying Independent into Shanghai. The Dept of Navy concurs.”