893.51/4435: Telegram

The Minister in China (Schurman) to the Secretary of State

384. My 381, December 4, 1 p.m. Following from consul general at Canton:

“December 4, 5 p.m. Conference referred to in my December 3, noon, postponed until this afternoon. Situation appears to be somewhat calmer and there seems to be possibility Sun may postpone final decision for the present. Understand that British-French plan does not contemplate blockade unless other measures fail.”

[Paraphrase.] I am afraid that in case the naval demonstration referred to in my no. 379 of December 1 takes place without the participation of the United States it may encourage Sun Yat-sen to believe that our Government sympathizes with his claims to the revenues from the Southern customs, whereas he will probably abandon the idea of seizing the customs if he feels that there is no sympathy for him in any quarter. Also, a demonstration of this sort in defense of foreign treaty rights and the integrity of the Government of China conducted without American participation must inevitably create the impression that the United States is content to play a role subordinate to those played by France, Great Britain, Italy and Japan. [End paraphrase.]

For the Minister:
Bell