393.1115/8–1149: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul at Shanghai ( McConaughy )16
1583. Re telCan 550 rptd Shanghai 1582, Nanking 945, Aug. 11. As result mtgs Aug 4 and 5 between departmental officers and reps of [Page 1288] business and missionary groups, as well as urtel 3109 Aug 8 rptd Nanking 1718 Canton 965, which indicates sizeable number Amers and other foreigners will wish withdraw, and in view Shanghai tel 3074, Aug 6, rptd Nanking 1704, OffEmb Canton 954, which indicates Commie auths holding up issuance exit permits on grounds uncertainty of shipping, Dept believes desirable definite booking be made as soon as possible of ship to enter Shanghai for express purpose evacuation foreigners. Third para ur 3109 suggests need of more flexible shipping schedule than afforded by General Gordon, which wld be possible if shipping in China waters, e.g., Jardine Matheson or Butterfield and Swire from Hong Kong, were used. Therefore, we believe ConGen shld now suggest to Amer Assoc desirability arranging, preferably in concert other fon communities, booking China coast ship, with confidential understanding with shipping agents that schedule might be subject change, depending on number persons having exit permits. Shipping agents shld then inform Commie auths of definite shipping date with request permission for entry ship as scheduled. Later voyages cld be arranged if demand warranted; greatest need at present moment is to “break the ice”, especially to ascertain intentions Commie auths.
Dept concerned that attempts large numbers Chi obtain bookings may delay or even thwart plan, because political complications from either Nationalists or Commie side in connection travel Chinese Shanghai–Hong Kong. For this reason, suggest if feasible evacuation ship question be handled as fon project for foreigners, on basis that movement is for persons not natives of the country wishing to proceed their homeland or to new homes. This is a further advantage of using ship for specific purpose withdrawal. Pls comment this point.
As regards relief supplies for fon (immunity, it shld be possible, if concurrence Natl Govt such shipments obtained through Emb approach, to inform Commie auths such importations are to be made, as inducement permission vessel to enter.
Re use General Gordon, Commander 7th Task Fleet suggests that, in view Commie attitude, a large valuable President liner shld not be risked by entry Shanghai or even Woosung, particularly because navigational risks in case arrangements not followed through. Suggestion made vessel remain outside bar or at Alacrity anchorage transporting passengers and belongings shore to ship via smaller vessel. Suggestion that LST ideal this purpose, as many as 900 persons and belongings having been transported one trip. Pls inform for reference purposes availability such craft in Shanghai area for this purpose.
- Repeated to the Counselor of Embassy at Nanking and the Minister-Counselor of Embassy at Canton as Nos. 946 and telCan 551, respectively.↩