841.3393/4–2549: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Stuart) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 25—11:07 a. m.]
865. At meeting Chiefs of Mission North Atlantic community this afternoon British Ambassador69 raised question of position British warships Shanghai. He reported that he had discussed problem with French Ambassador70 and me yesterday and that we had reached general agreement on following 3 points: [Page 1249]
- (1)
- That any decision to withdraw British, French and American naval vessels from Whangpoo should be coordinated;
- (2)
- That vessels should not be withdrawn until after agreement had been reached on evacuation of respective foreign nationals and that evacuation completed;
- (3)
- That foreign warships should thereafter be withdrawn from that area preferably before Communist occupation Shanghai. I had communicated my general concurrence with this outline to Badger and Cabot in Shanghai last night, suggesting they work out satisfactory solution within its framework and in consultation British-French there. (See ComNavWesPac’s telegram 250301Z to CNO71)
British Ambassador expressed view that involvement in hostilities of foreign war vessels with Communist forces taking over Shanghai would be disastrous and said that, if his colleagues agreed, he would make recommendations in that sense to his Government. We agreed.
Sent Department 865, repeated Embassy Canton 307, Shanghai 447.