893.00/6509

The Consul General at Canton (Jenkins) to the Secretary of State

No. 340

Sir: I have the honor to call the Department’s attention to the fact that when the possibility of an attack on Shameen seemed imminent, the Municipal Counsel [sic] called for volunteers to serve in the Militia or Police Forces on the Island. This has frequently been done in the past, as the Department is doubtless aware, and when the Americans showed a disposition to offer their services in this instance I saw no reason to interpose any objections.

When the shooting occurred on June 23 a number of Americans were actually posted along with British, Danish, and other nationals at strategic points. The Americans continued to serve for two days but when they found that the British and French authorities did not intend to ask for the assistance of the American Naval forces in the Harbor, the American volunteers declined to bear arms any further and withdrew.

This action on the part of the Americans caused some criticism at first, but the British Consul General explained the matter to his nationals and the incident may now be considered closed. However, I am encouraging Americans to lend their assistance in keeping up the essential public services of a nonmilitary character, for it seems only proper that we should bear our share of the burden so long as the strike continues. A detail of American marines is assisting in the operation of the cold storage plant, but no American armed forces have been landed on the concession up to this time.

The Department understands, I presume, that the British and French authorities on Shameen have consistently opposed the landing of American or other armed forces unless their assistance was deemed absolutely necessary, and so far as I know American Naval commanders have respected the British and French attitude.

I have [etc.]

Douglas Jenkins