893.5045/93: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Mayer) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 17—2:50 p.m.]
234. My number 217, June 12, 6 p.m.50
1. A further note will be presented Wai Chiao Pu, being sent this afternoon, drafted at this morning’s meeting of Heads of Legation. In substance note calls to serious attention of Chinese Government the agitation now existing in China which, increasing as it is, has placed the lives and property of foreign nationals in peril. A brief review follows of Hankow, Kiukiang and Chinkiang incidents and recent murder of foreigners in outskirts of Shanghai Settlement. Note closes with the following paragraph, translation:
“The incidents referred to above are the most serious which have been brought to our attention but from all sides we are informed that there is developing an antiforeign sentiment and subversive tendencies which cause us the gravest apprehension. Wishing above all to dispel every cause which might result in impairing the cordial relations which exist between China and the foreign governments, my colleagues and I once more draw the most particular attention of the Chinese Government to the gravity of the present situation and the imperative necessity which is incumbent upon it to meet that situation.”
Note is being published.
2. While technically the Kiukiang, Hankow and Chinkiang incidents pertained principally to the British and Japanese Governments, actually safety of all foreigners in China is involved in increasing agitation. In addition to above consideration, use of international naval forces, whose necessary activity on behalf of said foreigners may at any moment produce an incident wherein any of the foreign powers having naval forces in Chinese waters may be directly concerned, and the necessity of showing united front at this time, lead me to concur in this note.