195.91/5–449
The Under Secretary of State (Webb) to the Vice Chairman of the United States Maritime Commission (Mellen)
My Dear Mr. Mellen: Recent informal discussions with officers of the Maritime Commission and direct inquiries from shipping companies have indicated the considerable concern which arises from the imminence of civil disturbances or Communist attacks on Shanghai and the effect which circumstances attendant thereto would have on the safety of ship movements into the area. In this connection for the confidential information of the Maritime Commission, there is enclosed a copy of the Department’s confidential telegram of April 30, 1949 to the American Consulate General, Shanghai and other missions which might be called upon to provide information to shipping companies.
The dangers inherent in the situation are revealed in recent cables from the Consulate General, Shanghai, pertinent portions of which are quoted for the Commission’s information and such further dissemination as may appear necessary or desirable:
[Here follow extracts from telegrams of April 23 and 25, Nos. 1315 and 1342, printed on pages 1245 and 1249, respectively.]
3. April 28, 1949: “Further stringent measures passed by garrison govern ship movements this area with special permits required before ships allowed enter or leave harbor, load or unload cargo or passengers. Ships failing observe rules will be fired on by garrison and, if possible, sunk.”
As of further information to the Commission it should be noted that emergency evacuation of American citizens from Shanghai has been completed. It may be assumed that American citizens now remaining in Shanghai are prepared to remain throughout the emergency.
In view of the foregoing and the dangers to life and property inherent in the situation in Shanghai, it is believed that the Maritime [Page 1256] Commission will wish to inform the shipping companies in such manner as may be deemed appropriate.
Sincerely yours,