893.51/4453: Telegram

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

399. My 397, December 11, 5 p.m. Senior consul at Canton telegraphs he will deliver communication to Sun today.

American consul general, Canton, telegraphs December 13, 6 p.m.:

“Conditions are quiet but tense. Commander of South China Patrol ordering four destroyers to arrive Canton Saturday. General opinion of consular body Sun will not act before Monday.”

This looks as though Jenkins expected Sun to take some step before the expiration of two weeks’ delay. See my 389, December 8, 10 a.m., and 392 [391], December 9, 2 p.m.

Four destroyers mentioned are part of a force of six destroyers which commander in chief United States Asiatic Fleet despatched from Manila December 11th, and which arrived in Hongkong December 15th [sic]. They have landing force of marines on board. Please reply by telegraph to my 394, December 11, 3 p.m.,83 last paragraph.

For the Minister:
Bell
  1. Not printed.