893.00/6679: Telegram
The Minister in China ( MacMurray ) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 16—2:20 p.m.]
447. Following from Canton:
“October 15, 3 p.m. Referring to my telegram of October 14, noon. Local government has notified consular body that state of emergency has been declared in the Boca-Tigris fort area, that adjacent waters have been mined and that all vessels including men-of-war must notify commander of the fort and receive pilots to conduct them through the danger zone. Authorities also desire to be informed in advance through the consul general of expected arrival or departure of vessels.
[Page 747]Although the note does not say so, British authorities tell me Chinese are insisting on boarding merchant ships and asking questions as to the nature of the cargo, number of Chinese passengers, ownership of vessel, etc.
Above action said to be due to the presence of two northern cruisers in South China waters.
In my reply to note I suggest calling attention to correspondence referred to in Legation circular 215 of March 17, 1924, concerning freedom of action of our men-of-war. Also suggest pointing out that in view of the well-known attitude of our Government I shall expect American vessels to be supplied with pilots and conducted safely through the mine field with the least possible delay or annoyance. If necessary I will also protest against boarding except by customs officers. War has not been declared but as it actually exists I am uncertain whether I should protest against placing of mines which may break loose and ultimately become grave danger to our ships. I shall definitely decline to give any advance notice of movement of our ships which is generally impracticable.”
Legation’s circular instruction number 215 embodied substance of the Department’s instruction number 556 of January 29th, 1924.57 I request authorization to approve Jenkins’ recommendations including protest against mines.
- For Department’s instruction, see Foreign Relations, 1923, vol. i, p. 740.↩