393.1115/9–849: Telegram
The Consul at Shanghai (McConaughy) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 8—10:22 a. m.]
3718. For Buckley, care APL, from Downs. Re Deptel 1804, September 6.
“Earnestly suggest Nationalist conditions as outlined your message September 6 be summarily rejected as arbitrary and presumptuous with request they provide simple guarantee Gordon will be free of molestation from their warships and planes in Shanghai approaches and port stay while on regular schedule voyage 20th. Compliance with condition No. 2 undesirable since no change exists in navigation procedures previously experienced by master and pilot. Probability vessel delay also objectionable factor. Escort unnecessary and unsolicited. If vessel calls Chusan Island, Communist agents there undoubtedly will advise Shanghai who may view maneuver with suspicion. Appreciate your proposal how [and] when adhere to requirements condition No. 3. In event people’s government insists Gordon load general export cargo, what is anticipated reaction by Nationalist officers who intend “clear” vessel?
“Extremely difficult we reconcile this change in attitude of traditionally cooperative relations especially since initial assurances imposed no such conditions governing Gordon call. Condition No. 5 only humorous aspect of entire negotiations. Only few Americans cleared to date but expect visa issuance will be accelerated next few days (believe embarking Americans will not exceed 350, others 900). Nationalist objection to in transit passengers in our opinion irrelevant and unnecessary restrictive act without justification or purpose. Without consulting Shanghai government authorities can reasonably assume their attitude would be immeasurably less cooperative if they suspected extent control Nationalists permitted exercise over this operation.”
Sent Department 3718, Nanking 1942, Canton 1091.