893.48/12–2949: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (McConaughy) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 29—9:40 a. m.]
5441. Following reported Nationalist mining of Yangtze estuary, resulting in breakdown all efforts to bring in relief ship to Shanghai, I discussed yesterday with Jose of PAA88 probable receptivity of Communist regime to idea of foreign evacuation plane or planes. Despite steadily increasing need for transportation facilities out of China for benefit foreign community, now without any passenger ship service for nearly 2 months, Jose is confident that local Communist authorities will not consider authorizing entry and departure of foreign plane at this time. Even if Nationalist safe-conduct could be obtained, guaranteeing this city immunity from bombing, strafing, and reconnaissance by Nationalist planes for duration of flight operation, Communists apparently resolved prohibit any foreign flights.
Jose understands Jardine-Matheson last week made definite proposal to local Communist authorities to bring in Hong Kong airways relief plane New Year’s day. Geddes of Jardine-Matheson informed Jose that authorities told him explicitly that no foreign planes would be allowed to land here for any purpose until (1) recognition accorded Communist regime and (2) Nationalist blockade of Shanghai broken.
This is another indication that Communists are trying to pressure foreign powers into breaking Nationalist blockade for them.
In view general refusal Communist regime to permit foreigners in Shanghai to proceed over land to either Tientsin, Tsingtao or Canton for evacuation, and complete collapse efforts to bring in ship, short-range [Page 1363] travel prospects are very dim for the many foreigners who are seeking to leave Shanghai. See ConGentel 5442, December 29.89
Consulate General faced with growing problem of stranded US Government employees and dependents. Total such persons now awaiting transportation Shanghai is 32. Many of them including General Soule and Consul General Callanan already long delayed.