893.51/4443: Telegram
The Minister in China ( Schurman ) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 10—4:50 a.m.]
393. My 391, December 9, 2 p.m. I have today received the following memorandum from the Chinese Foreign Office dated December 8th:
“According to newspaper reports the war vessels of Great Britain, France, Italy, Japan and the United States of America are assembled in the harbor of Canton and marines armed with machine guns are prepared to land at Canton. Inquiry is made as to whether or not the American Minister has received reliable reports regarding this grave piece of news and what the purpose thereof is. The Chinese Government considers the assembling of foreign war vessels at Canton as a matter of very grave importance and requests that a detailed reply be made promptly in order that the matter may be considered and dealt with.”
Other foreign ministers mentioned have received similar communications and we are to have a conference to discuss reply.