393.115/11–1649: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (McConaughy) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 16—5:47 a. m.]
4816. Urtel 2271, November 15. Message from Master Flying Cloud dated November 16 at 1340 to Pattison and Co., Isbrandtsen agents Shanghai, states:
At 0713 November 15 Cloud challenged by shot across bow. Anchored 9 cables 296 degrees from charted position Kiutoan light vessel. Boarded by Lieutenants Tang and Wang who spoke fair English. Miss Hoffman (US Military Attaché’s Office, Nanking) clarified points in Chinese when necessary. Requested permission to proceed with food for Norwegian steamer Promise which vessel without food for 4 days and in distress. According tradition of sea, she must be given succor. We suggested he signal from his ship to proceed this errand and British warship would receive it. He thereby save face. I pointed out that USA still recognizes Nationalist Government but not blockade and we then notified commander that permission or not we would sail at beginning of flood tide. At 1500 a signal from gunboat denied permission proceed. At 1536 Cloud proceeded down river with DE and fishing type motor ship steaming into position for firing. When 3 cable lengths 144 degrees from lightship at 1542 hours they commenced firing and at 1555 hours they ceased. Used all calibre from carbines up including two 3–inch shots. At 1553 shell burst Nr. 1 fire hydrant and immediately after a 3–inch shell made one 3–inch hole in Nr. 4 lower ’tween-deck port side. Hundreds small calibre peppered side above main deck structure. Avoided gunboat’s position after firing commenced. It was imperative keep course to avoid beaching vessel or hitting wrecks. No casualties. All local time given in foregoing message.