393.1115/9–3049
The Acting Secretary of State to the Consul at Shanghai (McConaughy)
2011. Dept appreciative ur handling General Gordon evacuation. While impossible forecast future developments which might alter case, Dept disinclined participate in laying on another evacuation ship comparable to Gordon operation in foreseeable future. Relatively small number Amers departing on Gordon in face of full publicity wld support conclusion that all those desirous leaving Shanghai have now left, with exception handful key businessmen for whom exit permits were refused. Possibilities exit by Maréchal Joffre, Jardine-Matheson air service and/or other occasional vessels wld seem to provide reasonable prospect for later departure those who may change minds. Given fact Gordon took some 800 non-Amers, ur office shld be able to arrange to have a call on a reasonable number of spaces in any British or French vessel. Accordingly Dept suggests that you do not encourage any hope or expectation that efforts similar to those made for General Gordon are likely to be forthcoming but seek to divert pressure in directions suggested above.