893.51/4478: Telegram
The Minister in China (Schurman) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 24—10:43 a.m.]
419. My 417, December 22, 11 a.m. Following just received from commander of South China Patrol:
“December 22, 6 p.m. French captain and gunboat with marines and small Portuguese gunboat departed yesterday. British senior naval officer and cruiser with half marines left today. I agree with American consul’s opinion that Sun will not seize customhouse but will establish own customs. Present situation possibly be [omission?] by the diplomatic body inducing Peking Government to allocate Canton surplus to foreign administered constructive work in this Province. British suggested I send two destroyers to Hongkong for Christmas if not needed here. Force here unnecessary at present but due to local newspapers singling out United States for attack American consul and I agree press might interpret any reduction as weakening and therefore augment attack. Particular attack on United States due to participation being wholly unexpected and attack continued in hope of influencing public opinion in the United States.”