393.115/12–549: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Strong) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:32 p. m.]
Cantel 1325. On December 5 Foreign Minister Yeh read telegraphic report from Chinese naval headquarters regarding Flying Cloud incident (Cantel 1315, November 29) roughly translated as follows:
“Vessel was signaled warning and was asked for ‘details’, whereupon it dropped anchor at Kiutoan Spit. Chinese naval vessel then signaled that ship in Chinese territorial waters when no longer open to foreign shipping. Before reply received from Flying Cloud tide rose, ship hauled anchor, and got under way. Naval vessel hoisted flag to warn ship not move but ship did not reply. Naval vessel forced open fire, with ‘blanks’, which fired 3 times. Then to prevent ship from proceeding fired on line 50 yards ahead of bow, but ship continued and sailed into barrage. Ship possibly damaged. Further details being airmailed.”
In further conversation Yeh said he wanted no danger to US lives and thought best thing “to aim at rudder”. We pointed out this might involve further incidents which were most undesirable.
Sent Department Cantel 1325; repeated Shanghai 577, Taipei 235, Hong Kong by hand.