393.115/9–2249: Telegram
The Consul at Shanghai (McConaughy) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 22—7:44 a. m.]
3994. Deptel 1940, September 21, allegations Chinese Foreign Office against masters [of] Flying Independent and Flying Clipper. Henry Scurr, Master Flying Independent, and John F. Doyle, Master Flying [Page 1137] Clipper, executed affidavits this Consulate General today covering incident with Nationalist naval vessel at entrance Yangtze River. Scurr’s affidavit summarized as follows:
At 0805 hours September 18 near Tungsha bank buoy observed Chinese DE[stroyer] athwart his course. He complied with signal to anchor immediately. During exchange of signals by blinker lamp Flying Independent in reply to question stated it was from New York and Hong Kong with mail for American Consulate and wished proceed Shanghai bring out Americans. DE said a liner was to bring out Americans, then asked name of accompanying sister ship. Scurr replied “Flying Clipper”, then asked permission proceed on this tide Shanghai. DE at 0905 gave permission proceed.
Scurr states he instructed his signal officer inform DE his ship was also to discharge commercial cargo Shanghai but record of blinker signals in log book does not indicate this message sent.
Scurr denies flatly he was escorted into Yangtze by DE. Also denies he made any reference to any agreement between American and Chinese Government [s] whereby his ship was to proceed Shanghai to evacuate US nationals.
Affidavit of Doyle sets forth Flying Clipper passed Chinese naval vessel anchored in channel near Yangtze light vessel at 0816 hours September 18. Says he exchanged no messages with naval vessel. He passed 150 yards astern naval vessel and proceeded Shanghai without escort and without interference.
Consulate General has examined log books both vessels which corroborate affidavits of masters.
Consulate General comments: Assuming Scurr’s reported intention mention discharge commercial cargo at Shanghai was not signaled by junior officer Flying Independent, reply of Flying Independent to DE query did not reflect whole truth and was somewhat misleading. It is true ship did have tentative bookings for few American passengers out Shanghai and that ship brought mail for American Consulate General. Lines of ship and her heavy draft however must have indicated clearly to Captain of Chinese naval vessels he was fully loaded with freight and not a passenger ship suitable for evacuation purposes.
Wide advance publicity scheduled call ships at Shanghai seems to discredit Foreign Office charge of bad faith.
Consulate General has informed Isbrandtsen Far Eastern representatives and local agents substance of Foreign Office charges and warning. Representative particularly requests Department to inform Isbrandtsen fully.
Sent Department, repeated EmbOff Canton 1126.