841.8591/10–2949: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (McConaughy) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 29—8:21 a. m.]
4598. Mytel 4583, October 28.91 Two British steamers arrived Shanghai October 29 from Hong Kong: (1) small tanker Louise Moller, cargo 2095 tons Diesel oil in bulk for Texas Company, expected to sail October 30 at 0300 hours; (2) SS Tsinan with general cargo. Pilot who brought in Moller informed Consulate General Moller entered Yangtze attended by British warship. Chinese warship on patrol ordered Moller to stop or would open fire. British warship [Page 1157] then ran between two vessels and trained guns on Chinese warship. Meanwhile SS Tsinan had come in from sea and joined procession. British warship escorted both vessels some distance into estuary before leaving them. Entry merchant vessels thus made under threat of force by British naval vessel. Further details subsequent telegram. American SS Flying Cloud due mouth Yangtze morning October 30.
Sent Department 4598; repeated Hong Kong 349; Department pass Chungking 44.
- Not printed; it reported the Flying Cloud had been delayed by adverse weather in its voyage from Hong Kong (393.115/10–2449).↩