948.53/7–954: Telegram
No. 229
The Secretary of
State to the Embassy in the
Republic of China1
priority
24. Department concerned at continued Chinese detention Soviet tanker Tuapse and considers immediate release advisable. Department knows of no grounds recognized by international law on which tanker could be confiscated. You should take up matter urgently with Foreign Minister pointing out apparent lack of legal warrant for continued detention of vessel and crew, and risk of Soviet reprisals which might have far reaching repercussions for other Governments as well as Chinese. You should ask to be informed of approximate date of intended release of vessel and those of crew who do not wish to claim political asylum.
Ambassador Rankin has seen this message and concurs. If in your judgment your hand would be strengthened thereby, you may request Foreign Minister to deliver substance of foregoing to President [Page 492] Chiang, prefaced by statement that Rankin has learned that high levels this Government concerned over possible consequences further detention vessel and crew.
- A note on the source text states that the telegram was sent at the direction of the Under Secretary; it was drafted by McConaughy.↩