393.115/12–249: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Hong Kong (Rankin)
TelCan 781. [For Chargé Strong:] Request you most urgently obtain appointment with FonMin and inform him orally along fol lines:
“US Govt has been informed that the Sir John Franklin is scheduled depart from Shanghai on Dec 6. In view attack made on Sir John Franklin [Page 1179] as the vessel proceeded into Shanghai Nov 28 US Govt seriously concerned, in the absence of Chi Govt’s reply to its note of . . . . . . . date (telCan 774, Nov 30) or other assurances to contrary, that repetition this attack might occur, in which event Amer lives and property will again be endangered. In order to preclude any possibility of such an incident which, as Chi Govt will undoubtedly understand, might result in serious difficulties between the two Govts, the US Govt requests and expects assurances from the Chi Govt that the Sir John Franklin will be permitted depart from Shanghai and proceed on its course for its next port of call without any action by Chi Navy which wld endanger Amer lives and property.
In view urgency of matter it is requested that Chi Govt immediately issue appropriate orders to Chi Navy and inform US Govt thereof by Dec 5.”
At Chargé’s discretion foregoing may be made text of aide-mémoire to be handed FonMin.
ConGen Taipei is requested urgently bring matter attention Chen Cheng informing him of action being taken by Chargé and leaving with him copy aide-mémoire. Chen should be requested to assure prompt communication to Admiral Kwei.
ConGen Shanghai should not of course inform Master of Franklin of foregoing but in reply to Master’s request for instructions (Shanghai’s 5014, Dec 117) Master should be told that in ConGen’s opinion he would be well advised depart Shanghai without cargo or passengers; that, however, the final decision is of course one for Master himself to make.
- Not printed.↩