893.48/12–1949: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (McConaughy) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 19—6:10 a. m.]
5288. British ConGen Urquhart informed me last night (not for publication) that “relief ship” from Hong Kong is to be brought in probably last week of December under British Consular auspices. This will probably be small coastal ship chartered from Butterfield and Swire. It is to carry foreign passengers and mail exclusively. Since no cargo or Chinese passengers to be carried, British anticipate no difficulty in obtaining Nationalist safe conduct. British ConGen told me that his Government did not expect to show deference to Nationalist Government in this matter. Safe conduct would not be requested as favor. Nationalist Government will be informed that relief ship has been scheduled, with clear implication that safe conduct is taken for granted and that no interference expected. He believes he can obtain local Communist clearance for entry and departure of ship although prohibition of cargo and Chinese passengers will be unpalatable to Communists. Clearance of British FonOff, Treasury, Admiralty and Hong Kong Government already obtained. British had hoped to bring ship in before Christmas in order to cheer foreign residents at holidays season with long missing letters and packages from home but minor difficulties made this impossible. Custom duties of three and four hundred percent on merchandise consigned to foreign individuals here make shipment gift packages inadvisable in any case.
[Page 1361]Urquhart assured me that he would give preference to American official personnel seeking to leave Shanghai. Anticipate that all US Government employees Shanghai, Nanking who are authorized to depart will be able to book on this ship. Officials other foreign governments will also be accommodated. Balance available space will be reserved primarily for British subjects. Since only approximately 100 passengers can be accommodated there will not be much room for private citizens of other nationalities. British ConGen hopes take care especially urgent cases.
This proposal will probably check, at least temporarily, agitation of Italian ConGen here for relief ships to be brought in under aegis consular body every 2 weeks in order to maintain communication with outside world and make possible departure of foreigners in desperate need of getting out.