393.115/11–2949: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Strong) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 29—8:44 a. m.]
Cantel 1315. TelCan 771, November 26. In response to reiteration of contents, telCan 745, November 5 and 757, November 16,14 afternoon November 28, and to my request for early reply, Foreign Minister Yeh stated that he had no knowledge of background of Flying Cloud incident but would contact Foreign Office, though considerable delay would ensue view disruption caused by moving from Chungking to Chengtu. He agreed to suggestion that he communicate with Admiral Kwei through Taipei office of Foreign Office and thus obtain report much more promptly. It was pointed out to Yeh that Foreign Office Chungking had on November 16 requested Foreign Office handle matter through Chinese Embassy Washington (Cantel 1306, November 2515) following our departure for Hong Kong, and that we could not understand in [no?] reply, promptness in which would have been [Page 1173] advantageous to Chinese Government as well as to us Government. Answer at earliest date was promised by Yeh. However, there is good possibility that he will still contact Foreign Office [in] Chengtu before full response, in which case delay of at least week will ensue.
With regard SS Sir John Franklin, Yeh said Chinese Government still intended enforce “closure” and although all precautions would be taken of [against?] damage [to] ships, Chinese Government would have to take measures to stop firms such as Isbrandtsen from repeatedly violating “closure”. He said information reference schedules of US vessels desired only in relation vessels leaving Communist ports at time of conversation reported Cantel 1265, November 8. Yeh seemed somewhat embarrassed on this topic and we gather that his own generous attitude toward US shipping has been overruled by prior organs of Chinese Government. He expresed hope Department recognized all his efforts protect American vessels. He was again told US stood on its legal position regarding “closure”, that it viewed such incidents as shelling of Flying Cloud in serious light, and that it reserved position regarding compensation for damages.
Yeh added that Isbrandtsen supposed to have agreement with Communists in Shanghai to end Communists will compensate company 60 percent of any losses incurred in calls there. Presumably includes damages inflicted by Chinese Royal [Natl?] Navy or CAF.