893.51/4450
The Secretary of State to the British Chargé (Chilton)
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note No. 1061 of December 12, 1923, relating to the situation at Canton, China, and the apparent success thus far of the joint naval demonstration. With reference to the action which is being taken by this Government on behalf of the integrity of the Customs, I am happy to inform you that, on December 5, instructions were issued for a concentration at Canton of the available American naval units; and that, on December 15, further instructions directed the Commander of the South China Patrol to cooperate with the naval commanders of the other foreign Powers in the plan which had been approved by the Consular Body at Canton for preventing the seizure of the Canton Customs House.
Accept [etc.]