393.1115/9–2149: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Strong) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 21—6:38 a. m.]
Cantel 1134. Chen Tai-chu, Director American Section Foreign Office, stated September 20 that at 6 a. m., September 18, two US merchant ships, Flying Clipper and Flying Independent of Isbrandtsen Line were intercepted by Chinese naval vessel at entrance Yangtze River (were on Chinese territorial waters), that by signals the two ships’ captains alleged American and Chinese Government had agreed both ships proceed Shanghai to evacuate US nationals. Satisfied re these allegations, Chinese naval vessel escorted vessels into Yangtze.
Chen was assured categorically that Embassy had no knowledge of any such agreement alleged by these ships.
Chen then requested Embassy instruct ConGen Shanghai inform captains Flying Clipper and Flying Independent that, as their entry into Shanghai involved “bad faith” on their part, ships must load no cargo or passengers at Shanghai; that if the ships do not load cargo or passengers they will be given clearance from Shanghai. However, because of their “bad faith” they will not be permitted future entry into Chinese ports; that if ships do not comply with foregoing orders company must accept responsibility for anything that happens to ships. Chen expressed hope US Government will cooperate in this matter in order not to prejudice future clearances of such ships as Gordon.73
Inasmuch as ships entered Shanghai September 18, Chen considers matter of greatest urgency and asked Embassy telephone Hong Kong agents to pass warning to ship captains in Shanghai. Says Chinese Navy plans intercept these ships upon egress from Yangtze and take “appropriate action”. He observed that if US nationals took passage on these ships outward from Shanghai issue would be much more complicated.
Foregoing based on Rinden’s74 conversation. Foreign Office telephoned ConGen Hong Kong forenoon September 20, requesting Embassy [Page 1136] officer proceed at once to Canton. Rinden already there to discuss Gordon trip.
Rinden returning Canton today. Have instructed him state:
- (1)
- Surprise that Foreign Office would express suspicion Embassy connivance as indicated by Chen’s questioning;
- (2)
- Masters of two ships undoubtedly would state different case when their side heard;
- (3)
- Embassy would inform Department and ConGens Shanghai and Hong Kong in premises;
- (4)
- View nonrecognition of “closure” by US Government, ConGen unable “instruct” Shanghai;
- (5)
- Any measures to be taken must be decided by Department;
- (6)
- Embassy has no jurisdiction Hong Kong on such matters which must be left discretion ConGen there.
Nationalist Government obviously upset by entry of two large ships into Shanghai particularly view fact sailings public knowledge long before. Prevailing opinion is that either KAT [NAT?] patrol vessel which stopped them immediately thereafter defected, or bribed [garble] when ships intercepted or beforehand.
Sent Department; repeated Shanghai 542, by hand Hong Kong.