811.79693/8–1249: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul at Shanghai (McConaughy)23
1631. Ref urtel 3212 Aug 1224 and related messages Dept desires clarify its position. Dept has opposed establishment internal air service with Amer assistance in Commie territory and has solicited adoption similar stand by UK and other friendly govts because it believed not in our interest to assist Commies to create internal mechanism of high value to consolidation their political control of area. Dept remains of this view on basis of which it requested NWA to discontinue negots with Commies for such service.
[Page 1300]Re establishment shuttle service Shanghai–Hong Kong originally proposed by Jardine-Matheson and subsequently by NWA per urtel 2947 July 28, Dept believed and still believes such service would provide Commies easy access to outer air world and hence militate against early restoration scheduled services into Shanghai on established basis. Latter is objective of US Govt and believed likewise to be objective Brit, French and other govts concerned, as well as that of NWA and PAA.25 Dept desires point out however that prerequisite to such scheduled operation wld be assurance unmolested entry and exit by both Nats and Commies since resort to night flights for purpose running “blockade” wld obviously involve undesirable risk incidents. Dept prepared support in any appropriate manner both NWA and PAA in restoration regular services on above basis but frankly doubts early feasibility.
Dept has recognized value proposed shuttles to relieve claustrophobia Shanghai fon community. Dept however has believed that provision facilities for evacuation is the first objective and could best be accomplished by surface vessels and as you know has been active this connection. In light increased pressure for evacuation, contd uncertainty safe passage for ships and disturbing delays grant exit permits by Shanghai Commies, Dept entirely prepared reexamine air shuttle possibilities with exclusive emphasis on evacuation fon nationals from Shanghai. For such operation however approval both Nats and Commies clearly desirable if not in fact essential. Accordingly any such plans shld be projected on basis most likely to be acceptable to both Nats and Commies, which in Depts view wld be specific number special flights from Shanghai to Okinawa by NWA and/or PAA. Dept on your recommendation will immed seek safe passage from Nat Govt for any definite proposal such service. Similarly prepared attempt facilitate special shuttle by these lines or joint air service with Jardine-Matheson or other sponsorship from Shanghai to Hong Kong provided emphasis and operation in fact clearly based on evacuation. Dept. however dubious securing Nat approval to Hong Kong flights on any basis acceptable to Commies and vice versa.
You are authorized to convey gist foregoing in confidence to NWA and PAA reps, Committee Amer Association and, to extent applicable, to Jardine-Matheson.