393.1115/8–1149: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Chargé in China (Clark), at Canton15

TelCan 550. If you perceive no objection and in full consultation with your Brit colleague pls approach FonOff promptly along fol lines:

“Dept has been informed of desire certain members Amer community Shanghai to return US. Dept understands these individuals together with other like-minded fon natls are proceeding with arrangements in Shanghai for exit permits and provision necessary shipping. Dept anxious facilitate their departure and requests, without prejudice its position previously communicated to FonOff re closure ports, FonOff agreement in principle to entry Shanghai, without interference Chi Natl armed forces, ship or ships which may be scheduled for evacuation. It is contemplated that on inward voyage ships wld carry emergency supplies of food and other necessities to be purchased by and used by fon community Shanghai. As foregoing plans progress FonOff will be informed of details ship or ships and cargo.”

For your confidential info, it is probable from indications received from Amer community Shanghai that principal use by Americans any supplies shipped in would be for orgs and individuals to meet liquidation needs, primarily payments to employees whose pay scales are based on rice, price which now skyrocketing.

Quoted portion above being communicated Brit Emb here.

Acheson
  1. Repeated to the Consul at Shanghai and the Counselor of Embassy at Nanking as Nos. 1582 and 945, respectively.