393.115/12–849: Telegram
The Consul General at Shanghai (McConaughy) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 8—7:24 a. m.]
5132. Deptel 2381. Capt. Hardy, master SS Sir John Franklin, has been seriously cautioned by Consul General personally in sense indicated by Department in reference telegram. In addition paraphrase Consul General remarks signed by Consul General has been handed to master and to Capt. Crinkley, Far East representative Isbrandtsen Co. Master has given categorical assurances that he will comply with any signals from Nationalist warships and will not take any action which might be construed as reckless or imprudent. It has been verified that ship will be able anchor in shallowest portion Yangtze estuary channel without danger going aground. Master acknowledges that he will have no basis for giving danger of going aground as excuse for defying warship.
Ship now scheduled depart Shanghai 0800 local time December 9.