893.6363/5–1649: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (Cabot) to the Secretary of State
Shanghai, May 16,
1949—7 p. m.
[Received May 16—7:34 a. m.]
[Received May 16—7:34 a. m.]
1667. Fuel supply situation Shanghai Power Company critical with sudden stoppage of shipping. Oil and coal stocks on hand will last 10 to 15 days. Present load factor 91,000 KW or 54 per cent capacity and 37 per cent below demand same period 1948. Reputed Caltex supply 40,000 ton fuel oil. If made available to SPC, power supply maintainable 65 days at present load demand but once Shanghai occupied, ECA financing ceases and Caltex will require payment foreign exchange with sources, facilities, procedures not now visible.
Cabot