393.1115/9–149: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul at Shanghai (McConaughy)50
1768. Re Deptel 1583 rptd Nanking 946, Canton 551. For ur confidential info the question of entry Gordon at Shanghai was taken up by Joint Chiefs Staff who gave opinion that sending large valuable US [Page 1324] ship up Yangtze and Whangpoo during present situation wld unnecessarily invite incident that cld lead to US mil involvement with Chi Commies. Secy of Defense51 states that Cmdr, 7th Task Fleet, has advised and JCS have favorably considered possibility chartering smaller draft vessels locally for purpose transporting passengers and their effects from Shanghai to a rendezvous outside Chi territorial waters.
Pls reexamine carefully with APL and other competent auths all possibilities for transfer passengers to Gordon outside Whangpoo or Yangtze, having in mind facilities, possible risk to passengers, Commie attitude, etc. In past, large vessels have on occasion lain outside while taking on passengers.
Also report possibilities Amers and other fons obtaining voyages coastal craft from Hong Kong or elsewhere or any other potential travel facilities known to you.
Since Gordon left Frisco Aug 30, request reply earliest.