195.91/4–3049: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Shanghai (Cabot)77
812. 1. Maritime Com and shipping cos making representations to Dept for issuance public statement which wld have effect apprising ship operators and masters that due unpredictable nature situation Shanghai ship movements into area shld be undertaken with due consideration of dangers which might be presented. Basis such statement cos believe that more uniform operating procedures could be formulated [Page 1253] by masters thereby avoiding confusion resulting from receipt different info from different agents. Operators probably also aim at liberties clause contained bills lading to relieve shipping cos liability in cases of diversion.
2. While Dept wishes make available to masters vessels all appropriate info it is exercising utmost care that statements made will not in any way operate to set in motion the wide applicability of liberties clauses or will otherwise affect war risk insurance clauses or seagoing personnel contracts.
3. Addressees shld be prepared at all times furnish masters or agents with maximum spot-info available concerning conditions Shanghai, port and river approaches, including availability pilots, to assist masters in exercise of due diligence and judgment. ConGen Shanghai shld transmit pertinent info directly other addressees this tel (rptg to Dept) and shld be prepared supply without delay info which might be requested from other missions or vessels making for Shanghai. Addressees cautioned against unintentional issuance any statements which could be construed as indicated pgh 2 above.
- Repeated to the Minister-Counselor of Embassy at Canton, the Ambassador in the Philippines, the Acting Political Adviser in Japan, and the Consul General at Hong Kong as telCan 132, 527, 173, and 281, respectively.↩