893.50/5–1049: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 11—1:45 a. m.]
989. [To Shanghai:] I met with my French and British colleagues, latter’s request, this morning to discuss present, future situation Shanghai and possible courses action by you and your colleagues to mitigate effects all-out defense of city. (Reurtel 1550 to Department May 7, repeated Nanking 865, Canton 418.) We decided to recommend to you and British, French ConGens that you suggest to your respective Chambers of Commerce that they participate in and support any move of non-political nature by local Chinese (presumably Chinese Chamber of Commerce) vis-á-vis military authorities to preserve physical plant of city, principally utilities and industries, from deliberate destruction. It was felt that any approach should be Chinese-led although appropriately supported by local foreign interests.
We further agreed that should this appeal of Chinese and foreign interests materialize and prove successful, the foreign governments might possibly endorse action taken by local bodies.
Since French Ambassador experiencing some difficulty communicating with his ConGen Shanghai, please inform your French colleague substance of above in which Meyrier concurs. Your British colleague receiving similar message direct from Stevenson.
Re first consideration urtel under reference, you will remember question joint foreign intervention in somewhat different terms was considered by Department early December and was discouraged at that time. Second consideration is covered by above recommendations. Re third consideration, I can not believe our best interests would be served by gratuitous stocking of supplies, including oil, preparatory to Communist takeover or extending credit for their subsequent acquisition. We have recommended against any additional aid to Nationalist [Page 303] defenders of Shanghai (see Embtel 493, May 3, repeated Department 92694 Canton 346) and could scarcely justify, on political grounds at least, similar assistance to their enemies.
I want to take this opportunity to assure you and American community Shanghai of my lively sympathy your predicament and full appreciation heavy responsibility for protection American lives and interests which rests upon you.
Sent Shanghai 550, repeated Department, OffEmb Canton 393.