393.1115/9–349: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in China (Jones) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 4—1:51 a. m.]
1997. Embassy greatly disturbed by implication Deptel 1768, September 1, to Shanghai. We have been watching with growing confidence delicate progress of negotiations both Canton and Shanghai for entry of Gordon to evacuate Americans and friendly nationals from Communist China. We strongly urge that no complicating factors be [Page 1326] introduced from US side particularly this late stage. Movements of Gordon are sole topic conversation these days, Nanking foreign community. This is undoubtedly true likewise Shanghai. Even those foreigners not contemplating passage are watching with interest its progress as criterion of US interest and ability to afford its citizens and friendly nationals opportunity to leave Communist China. Gordon has become symbol of liberation for them and no substitute arrangement can replace at least in terms of prestige the appearance in port of Shanghai of an American vessel dispatched in support of its nationals and American interests. Failure of Gordon to carry out her evacuation mission because of last minute restrictions emanating from US rather than China would react to serious detriment of US prestige in China.
Fears of Joint Chiefs seem to us here unwarranted. Question of Communist seizure of foreign commercial vessels entering Shanghai has never been seriously raised and indeed during early days of Shanghai’s occupation three foreign vessels entered and sailed without threat of [or?] hindrance or other untoward incident from occupying authorities. This experience repeated many more times Tientsin.
Since entry of Gordon has been accepted by Shanghai authorities in routine manner, it would be difficult in our opinion if not impossible to negotiate new plan to lower passengers and effects from small craft at sea. Failure of Gordon to appear Shanghai as originally scheduled would undoubtedly be considered an affront by Shanghai Communists and would certainly complicate and even jeopardize exit of Americans and other foreigners. Furthermore Communist publicity (pointingly [pointedly] ignoring blockade) treats Gordon call as routine shipping operation and Communists would therefore probably be unable at this stage developments agree to JCS plan which so strongly emphasizes assistance and effectiveness of blockade. Communist interpretation of this change of plans would undoubtedly further confirm their suspicions that US fully supports Nationalist Government blockade of China coast.
While AmConGen Shanghai will undoubtedly report on safety factors involved, it is felt that transfer of passengers on open sea during typhoon season is hazardous and there is no guarantee that the trans-shipping vessel will be properly equipped with safety devices in the event that either Communist, Nationalist, or natural incidents affecting safety of passengers occur.
On basis foregoing strongly recommend adherence to present plans.
Sent Department, repeated Shanghai 1085.