393.115/10–1249: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Strong) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 12—12:24 p. m.]
Cantel 1202. On October 10, Embassy informally inquired Foreign Office representative regarding earlier release of Flying Clipper and [Page 1148] Flying Independent by Chinese Navy. Representative stated release on grounds of “expediency”, that Foreign Office was disturbed by tone of telegrams from Chinese Mission [s in] Seoul and Washington. However, he declares Chinese Navy will intercept Flying Trader outward from Shanghai.
Embassy on October 8 had discussed these vessels briefly with Chen Tai-chu, Foreign Office American Department Chief, but he made no mention of their release. On October 10 Chen claimed had only telephonic information regarding their release and did not wish to inform Embassy until it official. We believe Chinese Navy may have released vessels without Foreign Office action.
Sent Department Cantel 1202, repeated Shanghai 566, Taipei 201, by hand Hong Kong unnumbered.