393.115/9–2949: Telegram
The Consul at Shanghai (McConaughy) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 29—5:43 a. m.]
4116. Master SS Flying Trader inward bound radioed September 29 at 1315 hours to A. P. Pattison, Shanghai agents, vessel intercepted by Chinese naval craft off Yangtze entrance and requested to anchor.
A series of 8 messages from 1400 to 1605 hours from Flying Independent outward bound and accompanied by Flying Clipper state that both ships intercepted by Chinese Nationalist warships, one of which ex-US DE, other ex-minesweeper; vessels ordered to stop and anchor. Two of messages to Independent from DE, one by blinker and one by voice loud speaker, said to anchor immediately or they would fire. Independent requested permission proceed with Korean refugees but was refused. All 3 ships now anchored Tungsha bank buoy guarded by 2 Chinese warships. Last message from Independent at 1605 stated warships again denied permission proceed and advised officers from Chinese warships would board and inspect ships. No message from Clipper. Andrew Crinkley, Isbrandtsen Far East representative, aboard Independent.
Please inform Isbrandtsen, New York.
Sent Department, repeated Hong Kong 285, Canton 1138, Taipei 323.