893.00/4363: Telegram
The Minister in China (Schurman) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 15—12:12 p.m.]
218. Saw General Wang, commander of defense forces Peking 13th. Says disarming Fengtien troops completed but transporting [Page 705] away not. Danger looting not wholly passed therefore city gates must remain closed some days.
When gates opened bluejacket contingent reenforcing guard should no longer be necessary here; even if Wu should be beaten at Lwanchow by Chang, danger from retreating troops would be at Tientsin not Peking.
Admiral Strauss has withdrawn marines from Tientsin. Informed me Colonel Martin has advised him marines no longer necessary and his own information from Chinwangtao reassuring. Consul General Fuller earnestly desired their retention. Martin did not consult with me. I consider withdrawal premature and strongly urged Admiral to leave marines for the present. In final radio to Admiral 11th I called attention to possibility of resumption hostilities, danger to American lives and property along railway, duty of keeping railway open in American sector, and danger to Tientsin following even partial Chang victory. Admiral notified me 11th he was withdrawing marines on Huron and departing with Huron for Manila via Shanghai.
Colonel Dunlap who arrived 13th left today by Admiral’s orders to meet him in Shanghai.
Am sending Hutchins to Tientsin today. He is to proceed Chinwangtao if possible to get fuller information regarding railway and military situation.