393.115/12–349: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Strong) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 3—3:25 a. m.]
Cantel 1320. Note as quoted telCan 774, November 30, delivered Foreign Minister Yeh December 2.
In comment, after reading note, Yeh merely inquired as to what company owned Sir John Franklin and stated he was waiting for full report from Chinese Navy, which normally would be made to Waichiaopu18 in Chengtu.
Yeh then referred to case of Flying Cloud (Cantel 1315, November 29); said he had telephoned Tso Ying and spoken with a Commodore Kwei, who stated Flying Cloud had not been hit but 3 warning [Page 1180] shots had been fired across bow, and vessel had ignored them and kept on going. Yeh said he expects full written report shortly.
Understand US Navy has report from British Navy regarding Sir John Franklin incident which said to be at variance with facts as stated by master. Report made by British naval vessel at scene of action.
Sent Department Cantel 1320; repeated Taipei 232, Hong Kong by hand.
- Chinese Foreign Office.↩