SECRET
Page 146
COPY
MESSAGE
1303062/Oct.
From: To:
M.W.T.R. Shanghai.
M.W.T. London.
Date: 13.10.45. Time: 2350.
Info:
M.W.T.R. Hong Kong, MAST 10,
Embassy Chunking.
COM. (Naval) F.0's Pacific Secret.
131
IN
IMMEDIATE
1.
12th October. NORTHMAST 8.
Coal situation Shanghai becoming critical. At Doctor T.V. Soongs invitation I discussed problem of supplies with him today and he requests urgent action to supply shipping.
2. On understanding that shipping is provided for Shanghai requirements he agrees that supplies may also be loaded at Chinwangtao for Hong Kong including share for Canton, reasonable price and method of payment to be settled later when subject can be properly reviewed.
3. For loading from Chinwangtao to Shanghai he stipulates for present and to override objections to foreign play that Chinese Government will voyage charter on behalf of Power Company and other consumers. Can this be agreed and if so what rates and where are charters to be signed.
40 Am investigating Chinwangtao Fort conditions but understand draft limit 26 feet which will curtail full cargoes on SAM type ships. Estimate Shanghai voyage turn around for this type about three weeks at first, probably improving later.
5. Have indicated possibility of some SAM vessels being fairly promptly available and Consul General agrees it would be most desirable politically if prompt allocation could be made.
Please give earliest indication you views as Doctor Soong will need time to endeavour to make other arrangements to cope with serious situation if we are unable to assist.
130306Z.
Sir G. Jenkins.
Mr. F.A. Griffiths. Sir W. Currie. (2) Sir A. Common. Mr. J.G. Simon.
Mr. C.C. Fisher.
Mr. J.W. Barron. Mr. R.J. Sharp. Mr. V.R. Young.
Mr. B. W. Hearn. M.C.B.5. M.C.B.7.
Mr. H.G. McDavid. Mr. B.E. Bellamy.
Mr. S.J. Aikens.
Lt. Col. A.D. Henderson.
(Q.M.9a.WO) (2)
AT/AB.
Mr. P. Carden. Alloc. Br. (6) M.C.B. 1.
Mr. S.W. Hill.
Mr. D.G. Ferguson. Coal Div. (5) ACTION. W.T.R. (3)
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