393.1115/7–2849: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul at Shanghai (McConaughy)
1502. Reurtel 2946 Jul 28, evacuation Amer citizens. Dept has no objection ur proposal call of Gen Gordon at Shanghai. Pres of APL telephoned Dept fol receipt tel from his agent Shanghai and informed us APL prepared to cooperate. (In this connection, pls note it was not and is not Dept’s intention ConGen take initiative in arranging shipping; Dept’s instr also indicated desirability project have internatl character.)
It will be APL responsibility clear with Commie auths questions passage and payment port, etc. charges. It will be Dept’s responsibility endeavor obtain necessary assurances safe passage from Natl Govt.
Disadvantage (at any rate initially) employment Gen Gordon is unilateral character thereby given, even though other foreigners are booked. Further disadvantage is possible complications with through passengers because jeopardy transit area hostilities. Dept is anxious to broaden plan extent necessary include all foreigners desiring leave. For above reasons, desirability suggested starting off with commercial ships in Far East waters such as Jardines or Butterfield and Swire, Amers and others to go Hong Kong there obtain onward passage homeland.
Key to whole situation is exit permits. Ship as large as Gordon cannot put in port without assurance requisite number of people with exit permits in order and it cannot undergo any delay. Far East ships because their proximity, mobility can arrange more flexible schedules.
In any case Amers wishing to leave shld make arrangements passage directly with shipping agents, whether through Amer Assn or as individuals.