Office of the Historian

393.115/10–2149: Telegram

The Chargé in China (Strong) to the Secretary of State

Chungking, October 21, 1949—5 p. m.
[Received October 21—7:21 a. m.]

Cantel 1217. Chen Tai-chu86 today admitted Chinese Navy released Flying Trader as well as two other Isbrandtsen ships on own responsibility and that Foreign Office does not yet have details. Chen previously claimed Foreign Office dictated policy on detention and release (Cantel 1202, October 12).

Chen felt Navy probably had insufficient vessels for continued detention these ships view combat commitments. He referred with gratification to message he claimed received from Chinese Embassy to effect Department advised it not encouraging US flag vessels violate closure.

Strong
  1. Foreign Office American Department Chief.↩