393.115/11–3049: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (McConaughy) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 30—8:49 a. m.]
4992. Consulate General observes with increasing concern attacks by Chinese Nationalist worships on American merchant ships. In the case of the Flying Cloud, which was heavily fired on November 15 and the Sir John Franklin which was similarly attacked on November 28, the fact that no casualties occurred can only be attributed to good fortune. While fully realizing that the Department has already taken clear position that ships’ owners and masters bringing ships into Shanghai do so on their own responsibility, Consulate General raises for Department’s consideration the question whether now that American lives have been in great actual danger, some stronger discouragement to the entry of ships would not be advisable. Consulate General understands that no reply received from Chinese Government in answer to US protest of firing on Flying Cloud, and it is apparent that no orders have been issued to Chinese warships to stop attacks on American merchant ships. Possibly no responsible Chinese Government in existence with authority to enforce such orders if issued. In view of fact that protest re attacks on Flying Cloud were ineffective in preventing heavier attack on second American ship, it may be expected that Nationalists will be further emboldened if no effective deterrent found. As a means of preventing loss of American lives, Consulate General believes that unless the US Government is prepared to protect American ships from attack or bring such pressure to bear on Nationalist Government as would ensure their safe passage American shipping companies should be impressed with serious danger involved in entering Shanghai, and at least urged to consider carefully desirability of postponing further ship calls here in absence safe conduct until armed interference withdrawn. Particularly blockade runners should hesitate to take passengers. Of immediate concern is the outward voyage of Sir John Franklin, scheduled to leave Shanghai about December 6. Entry of this ship in defiance of all efforts by Nationalist warships to prevent it would seem to make it more likely that an all-out effort will be made to prevent her escape. Re Deptel 1927 [1929] September 20, Consulate General proposes to warn prospective American passengers of grave risks to be anticipated if ship again proposed to defy Nationalist war vessels.