800.8890/3–1449: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cabot) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 14—6:27 a. m.]
875. Jardine-Matheson93 Shanghai received telegram March 11 from Tientsin agents not to despatch any steamers Taku Bar pending issuance new Communist shipping regulations due shortly. Their steamer had already left Hong Kong with Tientsin cargo aboard so was diverted Pusan. Will proceed Tientsin later, if possible. However, Butterfield and Swire Steamer Hanyang also with Hong Kong cargo expected arrive Taku about March 15. Butterfield and Swire state they have no previous Communist clearance but are hopeful discharge possible. American President Line will not send in another ship until Tientsin agent assures them arrangements load outward cargo completed.
Sent Department 875, repeated Nanking 520, Canton 156.
- British shipping firm.↩