393.1115/9–649: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul at Shanghai (McConaughy)
1804. Fol for Downs, APL, from Buckley:
“Conditions under which Natl Govt of China will assure US safe conduct for Gordon in event call Shanghai as fol:
- 1. Only one ship may be sent for evacuation of fon natls and this evacuation must be completed in one operation.
- 2. Evacuation ship must first sail to Chou Shan Chun Island and arrange with Chinese Navy’s first squadron the method of entering and leaving Shanghai and Chinese Navy will send two naval officers to board evacuation ship and also send warship as escort in order to assure safety.
- Evacuation vessel’s name and all passenger and cargo specifications must be reported to Min of FonAff for transmittal to Chinese Navy and AF Hdqtrs.
- 4. Cargo must be limited to supplies for necessary use of ship’s personnel and evacuees. Chinese Govt officials will board vessel to inspect and clear cargo items.
- 5. Chinese Govt emphasizes entire action based on humanitarian considerations.
Advise how many Amers cleared to date and approx number Amers expected to ship. Goodwin advises Natl Govt will not permit any passengers aboard vessel either destined Shanghai or ports beyond. Can you confirm diplomatically that foregoing will not conflict with people’s govt’s assurances to US as already indicated in previous radios and which gratefully appreciated?”