393.1115/9–749: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul at Shanghai (McConaughy)
1874. Urtel 3700 Sept 7, rptd Nanking 1934, Canton 1086, Taipei 266, Hong Kong 231. Deptel 1804 Sept 6 was APL’s own msg to its [Page 1339] Shanghai agent. Dept passed FonOff note Aug 24 to APL for its info without comment and has also passed Downs’ msg of Sept 8 to APL on same basis.
ConGen will recall that demand for evacuation facilities arose from Amers and other foreigners Shanghai and that APL itself announced and has made preparations for voyage. As has been repeatedly stated, this Govt has not underwritten project; it has endeavored secure from recognized Chi Govt assurance vessel wld not be molested by Nat armed forces during transit thru what is in effect zone of hostilities and has given appropriate assistance in removing obstructions to voyage. We have taken no cognizance “blockade” or “port closure”, but in existing situation this Govt is in no position advise or order private vessels to enter or not enter Shanghai. We remain interested in seeing that as few obstructions as possible are placed in way of voyage, but conditions attached by Nat Govt are matter for consideration APL; it may be possible company can arrange better conditions, such as suggested reftel third para, which have now been proposed by APL and passed to ConGen Canton for communication to Nats.
In Dept’s opinion question not one of what “we” are accepting (as mentioned in reftel and indicated in second para ur 3760 [3759] Sept 9), but rather what practical solution to difficult and complex situation can be found by those desiring arrange evacuation from theater of active hostilities.