893.51/4861: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in China (MacMurray)
321. Your number 493, November 23, 10 a.m. In my opinion the powers ought to limit their efforts to prevent disintegration of Customs [Page 749] Administration to making formal representations to Chinese authorities. I do not object to your cooperation with your colleagues in making representations to Chinese Government, or to your instructing consul, Swatow, to protest if such action as he fears is taken. I question whether it is advisable or practicable at this time to conduct such an international naval demonstration as was carried out at Canton in 1923.