195.91/10–449: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Strong) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 5—7:03 a. m.]
Cantel 1161. This telegram written October 1 (received Hong Kong October 4). Chief American Section Foreign Office October 1 stated Flying Independent and Flying Clipper intercepted. Detained in territorial waters September 29. Masters were offered opportunity return Shanghai and discharge cargo and passengers but refused; were then told would have to jettison cargo to which they agreed; masters requested certificate from Chinese naval vessel regarding fact cargo jettisoned.
Foreign Office instructed Chinese Navy sign such certificate which to include signed statements by masters that they refused return Shanghai to discharge and that they had received Nationalist warning not to load cargo or passengers in view of “bad faith”.
In response to questions, he stated Chinese Government did not feel entitled take possession of cargoes, vessels still allowed use radios and Foreign Office directing Chinese Navy in all details regarding detention and treatment of vessels.
Flying Trader not detained but diverted from purpose of reaching Shanghai. Apparently has not again attempted enter Yangtze.
Sent Department Cantel 1161; repeated Shanghai 554, Taipei 182, Hong Kong by hand; Department pass Shanghai; Taipei.