393.115/10–349: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Strong) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 5—12:40 p. m.]
Cantel 1158. TelCan 702, repeated Shanghai 1978, Hong Kong 982, September 24, 1 p. m. Note passed Foreign Office September 26 as instructed.
Foreign Office on September 26 stated further enquiry from Chinese Navy Headquarters elicited information that one of Isbrandtsen ships in question stated specifically that the two ships were entering Shanghai in place of General Gordon. Foreign Office representative then inquired as to certification of affidavit by Consulate General, Shanghai. I stated Consulate General only witnessed signature and oath of masters but that according to our note Consulate General did separately confirm certain statements made by the masters.
I pointed out that Chinese naval vessel may well have garbled message and placed wrong interpretation on it. Foreign Office representative closed conversation with statement that notification to the vessels of its warning was the essential thing. I reiterated that the substance of the earlier statement by Foreign Office had been made known without comment to ships’ agents Hong Kong and Shanghai.
Sent Department 1158, repeated Hong Kong unnumbered.
Department pass Shanghai 553.