393.115/9–3049: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in China (Strong)
TelCan 708. Pls transmit most urgently to FonOff a note containing fol:
[Page 1141]“My Govt has been informed, through its Consulate Gen at Shanghai that on Sep 29 two Amer flag vessels, SS Flying Independent and SS Flying Clipper, while proceeding on an outbound passage from Shanghai, were intercepted by two Chi Naval craft and were instructed to anchor at the mouth of the Yangtze river. It has been reported further that the Flying Trader on inbound passage for Shanghai, was similarly instructed. It is understood that the three Amer vessels have been informed by the Chi Naval vessel that this action was in accord with orders of the Chi Govt.
Assuming the foregoing info to be accurate my Govt desires urgently to know the basis of the Chi Govt’s action in intercepting and detaining the three Amer vessels concerned, their exact positions, and the intentions of the Chi Govt with respect to effecting an early release of the vessels.”