393.1115/8–2349: Telegram
The Consul at Shanghai (McConaughy) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 23—1:24 a. m.]
3385. ReDeptel 1649, August 19.34 Communist commitment permit entry General Gordon more definite than Department seems to assume. Communist letter, dated August 13, says unequivocally “permission is hereby granted for entry and exit of the SS General Gordon as applied”. While it is true letter refers to information re freight to be carried as “most important to us”, entry permit not made conditional on this information. Believe we should treat Communist letter August 13 as unqualified permit enter and so refer to it in our publicity re Gordon.
ReDeptel 1668, August 20, pertinent portions have been read presidents American Association, American Chamber of Commerce and APL agent. All agree matter cargo entirely secondary, should be played down as much as possible and should not be allowed jeopardize entry vessel.
ConGen has not intervened any way cargo arrangements and has not held out any hopes substantial tonnage can be brought in. Henry of American Association does not believe Association needs act as clearing house for import orders for American citizens, believing it preferable APL handle all cargo questions direct with prospective importers. National associations other foreign communities have not manifested any desire import on their own account or represent their citizens who may wish to import. Believe both Consulates and national associations should avoid cargo issue giving APL free hand in handling problem.
[Page 1310]Communist authorities accepting exit permit applications freely with no daily numerical limitation but still no indication re when and how freely permits will be granted.
APL proceeding on assumption large number permits will be grants [granted] and is planning put 300 cots on Gordon so as to substantially increase passenger capacity. Understand cots will be rated as minimum first class accommodations.
Sent Department, repeated Nanking 1815, Canton 1034.