893.102 Ic/4: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in China (Ruddock)
198. Department’s 193, July 12, 5 p.m.
As an alternative to measures suggested in your June 24, 4 p.m., Department has informally discussed with British Embassy the following suggestion: that Diplomatic Body address Chinese Government a joint note warning it of danger of further mutiny at Ichang stating that in the event of injury to foreign interests the Powers will insist upon the Chinese Government holding the higher military authorities concerned personally responsible and will deny them refuge in their own territories or in the foreign settlements and concessions in China and will reserve the right of exacting from the Chinese Government punitive damages for any such injuries to the persons or property of their nationals resulting from a neglect of this warning; and that copies of this note be communicated through appropriate consuls to military authorities concerned.
You will discuss this suggestion in the first instance with your British colleague and advise the Department whether it appears practicable and efficacious.