811.79693/9–149: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in China (Strong)
TelCan 639. View Dept’s increasing concern situation Shanghai and continued uncertainty entry Gen Gordon, request you urgently endeavor obtain ChiGov’s assurances unmolested entry and exit Shanghai for sufficient number flights by PAA and NWA to evacuate fon natls, primarily US citizens. Flights to operate Shanghai–Hong Kong and/or Okinawa and other points as developments may require. Shld be pointed out that, while US requesting these flights primarily evacuation Shanghai, Commie approval may be conditioned to allocating small percentage each aircraft’s capacity to Commies. US considers incidental benefits to Commies of transporting small number Chinese is far outweighed by more important consideration of evacuating US citizens and other foreigners from Shanghai. Inform FonOff US Govt views this request as matter of great importance.