393.1115/9–1049: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in China (Jones) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:37 p. m.]
2053. It seems to us we should constantly have in mind purpose of General Gordon’s visit Shanghai, namely to evacuate American citizens from China who are anxious to leave, some of them desperately so (Shanghai telegram 3700, September 7 to Department). If we accept point that evacuation is overriding importance, then various indignities suffered at hands both Nationalists and Communists assume their proper proportions and become relatively unimportant. Certainly what Americans including officials are required to take from local Communist authorities in order to exit China requires daily restraint and practice of humility.
British are apparently unwilling to accede to Nationalists’ requirements but their problem is one of relief rather than of evacuation. We are informed French Consul General likewise finds Nationalists’ terms unacceptable and has stated that SS Maréchal Joffre will not call Shanghai if required submit thereto. We hope this is not true since many Europeans Nanking including Frenchmen plan exit thereon and would not in their present frame of mind understand failure of ship to appear for abstract reasons of national prestige.
It should be borne in mind at all times that Communists constantly refer to “blockade” as inspired and supported by American imperialism, and that failure of Gordon to appear will almost certainly be ascribed to our cooperation with Nationalists rather than to our refusal accept Nationalists’ restrictions. This view lent color by fact British furnish naval escort to their shipping while we have publicized our decision to be [do] nothing of the sort. On other hand, such Communists as are aware actual US position re blockade will consider as merely technical basis of our objection to Nationalist examination of vessel, namely that Nationalists not in control Shanghai port and therefore unable make legal examination and such Communists may then conclude US Government not in fact deeply concerned over welfare US citizens and movements Government personnel.
We feel that a determination that Nationalist requirements constitute insuperable stumbling block will decidedly worsen helpless position Americans and other foreign nationals and will injure rather than preserve US prestige.
Sent Department, repeated Shanghai 1113.