393.1115/9–749: Telegram
The Consul at Shanghai (McConaughy) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 7—9:44 a. m.]
3700. Re Deptel 1804, September 6, conditions Nationalists would impose on General Gordon. It seems to Consulate General there is limit to what we can accept in way of Nationalist requirements without loss national dignity. Already some prominent foreigners are referring with slight air contemptuousness to affronts we are taking from Nationalists and highly placed foreign consular officer recently said his government would like bring in evacuation ship also, but would not “eat mud” in order do so.
APL agent here resentful conditions imposed and takes exception implied Nationalist reflection on integrity his company. He will reply to Buckley tomorrow through Consulate General.
Consulate General of opinion verbal assurances by APL backed by affidavit executed by master at Consulate General, Hong Kong, that Gordon complies with desires Nationalist Government re cargo and passengers should be accepted as prima facie evidence compliance and obviate need for stoppage and search.
Consulate General recommends Department consider matter US prestige Communist China in determining whether Nationalist demands Gordon are tolerable or intolerable.
Sent Department 3700, repeated Nanking 1934. OffEmb Canton 1086, Taipei 266, Hong Kong 231.