393.115/12–649: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Shanghai (McConaughy)
2381. Reurtel 1091 [5091], Dec 6.22 Dept still believes inadvisable pass any portion Taipei’s 768 either to Isbrandtsen’s agent or master [Page 1182] inasmuch as any breach of confidence might endanger US position report closure order.
Request you immed contact master Franklin and strongly recommend that in departing Yangtze he observe all signals from Chinese Naval vessels. Inform master US Govt has made protest to highest auths ChiGov and as result expects that Franklin will be permitted exit Yangtze without interference from Naval vessels with possible exception of routine challenging and possibly boarding. Point out to master that while there is a reasonable expectation that this will be the case he should not act presumptuously or precipitantly, or in such manner otherwise as would endanger life and property safety of which his command makes him responsible; that, as master of vessel flying Amer flag, he shld exercise all prudence to avoid provoking otherwise avoidable incident. You shld point out to master that Franklin is not in position of vessel in innocent passage through territorial waters but instead is proceeding from inland waters to high seas, and therefore, subject to interference incident to ordinary navigation.
At your discretion give him to understand that reports from responsible observers of his entrance on Nov 28 that have reached Wash are somewhat at variance with master’s statement that no warnings were given by the Naval vessel prior to its opening fire.
- The Consul General reported that “Master SS Sir John Franklin apparently determined to bull his way through on departure from Shanghai notwithstanding risks involved”.↩